De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It is also known as De Quervain’s syndrome or De Quervain’s disease.
Causes:
- Repetitive hand or wrist movements.
- Direct injury to the wrist or tendon.
- Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms:
- Pain near the base of the thumb.
- Swelling near the base of the thumb.
- Difficulty moving the thumb and wrist when doing activities that involve grasping or pinching.
- A “sticking” or “stop-and-go” sensation in the thumb when moving it.
Diagnosis:
- Physical examination.
- Finkelstein test: This involves bending the thumb across the palm and bending the fingers down over the thumb, then bending the wrist towards the little finger. Pain during this movement suggests De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
Treatment:
- Rest and avoid activities that cause pain and swelling.
- Ice the affected area.
- Use of a thumb spica splint to immobilize the thumb and wrist.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling.
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
- Physical therapy.
- In severe cases, surgical intervention to release the tendons may be necessary.
Prevention:
- Avoid repetitive thumb and wrist movements.
- Take regular breaks during activities that involve the use of the wrist and thumb.
- Use ergonomic tools and techniques to reduce strain on the wrist.
If you suspect you have De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
