De Quervain Tenosynovitis Treatment in Illinois

Alleviating Thumb & Wrist Pain

De Quervain Tenosynovitis, also known as De Quervain's Tendinitis or De Quervain's Syndrome, is a condition that affects the tendons of the thumb. The tendons in this area become inflamed and swollen, causing pain extending into the wrist and restricted movement. De Quervain Tenosynovitis is primarily triggered by overuse or repetitive motions.

Risk Factors

• Age: People over 30 are most at risk for developing the condition.
• Sex: The condition is more common in women. Pregnancy and hormonal changes can impact it as well.
• Repetitive Hand & Wrist Motions: Certain activities can increase your risk, including repetitive motions with your hands and thumbs, such as gamers, golfers, racket sport players, musicians, manual laborers, and those who provide childcare.
• Poor Posture: Poor posture while performing repetitive hand movements can strain the tendons in the wrist, which increases the risk of developing the condition.

Symptoms of De Quervain Tenosynovitis

Below are some of the most common symptoms associated with De Quervain Tenosynovitis. It is not unlikely for patients to experience more than one symptom.

• Pain and tenderness along the wrist and thumb
• A snapping or catching sensation when moving your thumb
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Swelling over the thumb side of the wrist
• A fluid-filled cyst may accompany swelling
• Difficulty grasping objects between the thumb and fingers

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Diagnosis

Typically, imaging tests are unnecessary to determine if you have this condition.

Your provider will perform a physical examination if you feel pain when pressure is applied on the thumb side of your wrist. From there, you may be asked to complete a Finkelstein

test, which involves bending your thumb across the palm of your hand and bending your fingers down over your thumb. After your fingers are in place, you bend your wrist towards your little finger. If you experience pain on the thumb side of your wrist with this movement, you may have de Quervain's Tenosynovitis.

De Quervain Tenosynovitis Treatment Options

Pain and inflammation can often be relieved without surgery. Doctors will rely on non-surgical treatment options first before recommending surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Bracing or Splinting: This will keep your wrist and thumb immobilized to relieve pressure off your thumb tendons.
• Icing: Icing your wrist can reduce swelling and relieve pain. Icing can be done for 10 ten minutes a few times a day.
• Rest: Avoid using your affected wrist as much as possible, especially avoiding repetitive and lifting motions.
• NSAIDs: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Ibuprofen, reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Corticosteroids: These are prescription anti-inflammatory medications. The injection is placed directly into the tendon covering to reduce swelling.
• Exercises: Stretches and exercises can be done under the supervision of a hand therapist.

Some individuals seek the care of a physical or occupational therapist to help them perform exercises that can strengthen their muscles and reduce pain. These specialists can also give additional suggestions on relieving stress on your wrists.

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Surgery

In situations where non-surgical treatments for de Quervain's disease do not provide adequate relief, doctors may recommend surgical intervention. This is typically done when the pain becomes too severe and affects daily activities. The surgical approach for de Quervain's is called a "release" procedure. A small incision is made on the side of your wrist near the base of your thumb. The surgeon alleviates the pressure and friction over the swollen tendons. The alleviated pressure allows the tendon to move freely without pain. De Quervain's Tenosynovitis surgery is performed on an outpatient basis.

After surgery, you may need wrist and hand therapy to regain strength and improve your movement.

Contact Our Orthopedic Team Today

Contact our team of orthopedists today if you are experiencing pain in your thumbs or wrist. We will diagnose the exact cause of your pain and determine the best course of treatment.

Find a location near you and reach out to schedule an appointment today!