Wrist tendonitis, known as “De Quervain’s tendinosis, caused when the muscles at the base of the thumb are swollen or constricted. Muscles are rope-like structures that are fixed muscle to bone and are covered by a greasy, soft-tissue layer known as the “tendon sheath.” The term “tendinosis” precisely refers to an inflammation of the muscles and muscle sheath, which causes pain and soreness on the thumb side of the wrist, particularly when making a fist, holding an object, or rotating the wrist. There are different De Quervains Tenosynovitis treatments available that help relieves uncomfortable symptoms.
Causes
De Quervain’s tendinosis occurs by overuse of your hands, which is caused to patients who execute a variety of nonstop-motion such as continuous typing, assembly-line work, or weeding. Musicians, carpenters, dentists, and office workers are also examples of patients at more risk of evolving this condition.
This condition is also caused by underlying health conditions, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Scleroderma
- Gout
- Diabetes
- Reiter’s syndrome
- Gonorrhea
In rare cases, muscle inflammation is caused due to an infection from a cut to the ligament or is attributed to pregnancy. This medical condition is common in middle-aged women.
Symptoms
Signs of De Quervain’s tendinosis comprise:
- Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, appearing slowly or suddenly
- Swelling on the thumb side of the wrist, accompanied as a fluid-filled cyst in the region
- A catching or snapping sensation is felt while moving the thumb
- Joint stiffness in the affected area
- Soreness of the skin that covers the muscle
Without being said, it is extremely difficult to self-diagnose this nuanced condition. As a result, any other person who’s already suffering from De Quervain’s tenosynovitis must visit a medical professional for diagnosis and De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis physical therapy.
How is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis diagnosed?
Your physical therapist examines your health history to offer you a physical exam. To make sure no other health conditions are causing your symptoms, your tests include:
Finkelstein test –
You are asked to make a fist with your fingers closed over your thumb and then bent your wrist toward your little finger. This motion will be quite painful if you have De Quervain’s tendinosis.
Joint aspiration –
Your doctor tests the fluid from your thumb joint for any signs of gout or infection.
X-ray –
Although tendons don’t appear on X-ray, the doctor checks the bones for arthritis.
Can de Quervain’s tendinosis be prevented?
Soon after the treatment, de Quervain’s tendinosis is avoided by altering the tasks that causes pain. Taking breaks and preventing actions that cause pain help to reduce the chance of this condition happening again after treatment. It is vital to follow your doctor’s advice on what tasks worsen the condition and avoid it. Limiting these activities prevent future issues with De Quervain’s Tendinosis.
How is de Quervain’s tendinosis treated?
De Quervain’s treatment involves both non-surgical methods to manage painful symptoms or surgery.
Non-surgical treatments
To enhance your symptoms, the healthcare provider starts with non-surgical treatments, also known as De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis occupational therapy. These non-surgical treatments include:
Using tape
The tape is worn to relax the wrist and thumb and prevent it from moving. Tapes are generally worn 24-hours-a-day for six to four weeks.
Applying ice on the affected area to reduce swelling.
Avoid activities that cause pain and swelling.
Taking medications
The doctor gives you anti-inflammatory medications, including ibuprofen or naproxen, to decrease swelling and pain if the symptoms continue. Steroid injection into the muscle sheath is also considered.
Surgical treatments
If non-surgical treatments don’t help relieve swelling and pain, here is when surgery is recommended for De Quervain syndrome.
Surgery for de Quervain’s syndrome is a procedure that is usually done under local anesthesia or with mild calmness. A small cut is made in the sheath with which the muscles pass during the surgery. Cutting the sheath lets more room for the muscles to slide easily. This de Quervain’s tenosynovitis treatment aims to remove swelling and pain to help restore the range of motion in the wrist and thumb.
Upon recovery, the physician recommends De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis occupational therapy includes an exercise program to support your wrist and thumb. The recovery time varies from person to person, depending on their age, health, and for how long the symptoms are present.
In cases that involve the development of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis progressively, the tendinosis is generally more difficult to manage. This is because it takes longer for symptoms to vanish and for the thumb and wrist to recover their range of motion.
What is the outlook for de Quervain’s tendinosis?
De Quervain’s tendinosis generally responds well to treatment. Many De Quervains Tenosynovitis treatments do not involve surgery. Treatment with tape, anti-inflammatory medicines, and rest often correct this condition. People with savior cases who require surgery holds a high success rate. However, De Quervain’s syndrome does need to be treated. If left untreated, the condition continues to become more severe over time.