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Common Conditions
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a type of tendon injury affecting two tendons of the thumb. These tendons allow thumb movement in extension (lifting the thumb away from the palm) and abduction (moving the thumb away from the fingers).
In De Quervain’s tenosynovitis the tendon sheath, which houses the tendons, becomes narrowed within the first dorsal compartment in the wrist. This places pressure over the tendons, causing rubbing and irritation to them.
Common
Symptoms
- Sharp pain at the base of the thumb over the wrist area.
- Pain with combined thumb movement and side to side wrist movement.
- Swelling over the thumb side of the wrist, as well as stiffness.
How Can Our Hand Therapists Help?
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis are worsened by continual trauma to the tendons from repetitive thumb and wrist movements. A hand therapist analyses activity to identify tasks contributing to these unwanted movements and can assist with strategies to reduce tissue stress and promote tendon healing.
Depending on the severity of your inflammation, a hand therapist can advise on how to incorporate safer wrist positioning in your day and if indicated, fit a customised splint. In some cases, surgical solutions may be required. Hand therapists will provide post-operative care and rehabilitation if this is the case or direct your care to an appropriate specialist.
Interesting Fact
Symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis are now being identified in studies to be more prevalent amongst populations with high smartphone use due to the repetitive thumb movements involved in scrolling while holding a phone (Benites-Zapata, et al., 2021).
Reference:
Benites-Zapata VA, Jiménez-Torres VE, Ayala-Roldán MP (2021). Problematic smartphone use is associated with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis symptomatology among young adults. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 53, doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102356.
Examples of
Solutions to Try
- Avoid any activity that causes sharp pain by keeping your thumb closer to your hand.
- If you are a new mum or parent / carer, consider using zips for baby clothing for easier dressing or a car capsule instead of lifting a newborn in and out of a child seat.
- A vertical computer mouse is a great option for computer users to prevent side to side wrist movement.
While these are general examples, our hand therapists will help match solutions best suited to your condition and specific needs.
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- Customised solution to your actual needs
- Unbiased and independent opinion
- We consider multiple solutions
- We help you manage discomfort
Understanding, Knowing and
Managing Starts with a Consult
Some of the
Most Common
Upper Limb
Issues
