De Quervain Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the outer border of the thumb and the thumb side of the wrist. It is commonly followed by a degenerative tendinopathy, causing inflammation and irritation of the tendon coverings, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty using the thumb.
Causes and Symptoms
The exact cause of De Quervain`s tenosynovitis is unknown, but it is often associated with repetitive hand and wrist motions, such as:
- Gardening
- Playing racket sports
- Lifting a baby
The primary symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb and along the thumb side of the wrist
- Pain worsening with thumb and wrist movements
- Swelling and a catching sensation in the thumb
- Difficulty making a fist
Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment
If you experience persistent thumb and wrist pain, consult a healthcare professional, typically an Orthopaedic or Hand Surgeon. Diagnosis may involve:
- A physical examination, including the Finkelstein test
- Ultrasonography for confirmation
Treatment usually starts with conservative measures:
- Rest, ice packs, and over-the-counter pain medications
- Splinting or immobilizing the thumb and wrist
- Corticosteroid injections for pain and swelling relief
- Surgery if conservative treatments fail
Preventing De Quervain`s Tenosynovitis
While prevention isn’t always possible, you can reduce your risk by:
- Avoiding repetitive hand and wrist motions
- Taking breaks during repetitive activities
- Maintaining proper hand and wrist posture
- Performing stretching and strengthening exercises, advised by your Orthopaedic surgeon
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to effective management.
References
Mayo Clinic: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis LinkNIH: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Link
