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A painful state where the muscles on the thumb side of the wrist get inflamed and referred to as De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. If you are suffering from De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, it probably hurts each time you move your wrist or make a fist. The cause of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is still not known however the activity that relies on continuous hand or wrist movement, including working the garden, playing golf or racket sports, lifting your baby, etc., leads to such a condition.
De Quervain’s Tendonitis is also common because of the overuse of our hand affecting the muscles located at the back of the thumb.
How does this De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis develop?
Continuously performing hand motions for grasping, pinching, or squeezing leads to the swelling of tenosynovitis. This swelling leads to swelling that hampers the smooth sliding action of the muscles. Arthritic diseases also affect the entire body causing tenosynovitis in our thumb. In addition, an injury makes it difficult for the muscles to glide easily through the tunnel in other cases.
What problems does this condition cause?
At first, the only symptom of this condition was soreness on the thumb near the wrist. However, if you fail to opt for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis treatment, the pain spreads up your arm and further down the wrist and thumb.
Because of increased friction, these muscles start to shrink as they move through the tunnel. This noise is known as crepitus. Many patients experience swelling along the tunnel near the wrist if the condition is bad. Holding objects with the thumb becomes increasingly painful.
How to treat De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis thumb:
It’s hard to avoid de Quervain’s because people use their thumb approximately 25 to 30 times per day.
Here are six de Quervain’s tenosynovitis physical therapy that you can try to get a grip on the pain.
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Icing your wrist
Ice your wrist often. Preferably, have your spouse do a maximum of carrying and lifting the baby to give your wrist plenty of time to recover. Furthermore, try to limit the use of smartphones whenever possible. Tapping, sliding, and scrolling your phone isn’t the cause of the problem, but the overuse of those already-inflamed muscles multiply the pain and safeguard proper healing.
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Avoiding activities
Different activities result in the pain of the thumb muscles. Activities that particularly include hand and wrist movements for a longer duration, like doing household work, playing golf, badminton, cause both swelling and pain. Preventing such hand activities benefits you a lot.
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Modifying baby lifting position
If you’re feeling uncomfortable, possibly the single most significant thing you can do to avoid further swelling of the wrist muscles is to change how you lift or hold things. “Instead of picking things up under your arms, try to scoop it up by lifting from the bottom. Try to keep the palm of your hand up. This reallocates weight that can worsen the muscles when you lift your hands in an “L” shape, a position that puts strain on your wrist and thumb.
Different nursing positions can strain your wrist, particularly when swelling already exists. In addition, many women mention breastfeeding is an irritating process, so you can use a pillow to support so that the full weight of the baby isn’t on your hand.”
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Splinting
A hand splint that restricts the thumb movement is extremely effective. De Quervain’s treatment helps reduce the muscle’s swelling and therefore eases the discomfort. Usually, patients see improvement with hand splints after a couple of weeks, but constancy is the.
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See a doctor
If the pain continues even after trying a variety of self-treatment medications, make an appointment with a hand specialist, who would suggest either a cortisone shot or physical therapy. Surgery is required in rare and very extreme cases, but it’s generally an everlasting fix.
A breastfeeding woman who feels the pain while positioning their baby generally lessens after they stop nursing.
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Exercises
You can perform some De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis treatment when the early pain is gone.
- Opposition stretches
- Putt your hand on the top of the table with your palm facing towards the ceiling
- Touch the tip of your thumb with your little finger
- Hold this position for 5 seconds
- Repeat it 10 times
- Thumb Lifts.
- Place your hand on the table, with your palm facing the ceiling.
- Lift your thumb from your palm to make a “C” shape.
- Hold for nearly 6 seconds.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
- Bend your thumb to the base of the little finger and move your wrist down.
Conclusion
When it comes to De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis physical therapy, there are different effective ways to get rid of this disease without surgery. All you need is to get proper guidance. If you are looking for De Quervain’s treatment at home, you can do this through physical therapy. Some of these techniques are presented to you in this firm dossier. But it is recommended to have a psychotherapist by your side for active recovery.
FAQ: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and Its Different Treatment Options
1. What is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, also known as De Quervain’s tendinosis or De Quervain’s disease, is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It occurs when the tendons and the synovial sheath that surrounds them become inflamed, leading to pain and limited movement in the affected wrist and thumb.
2. What are the common symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
The primary symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb, especially when moving the wrist or grasping objects. There may be a sensation of “catching” or “snapping” when moving the thumb. Pain might radiate up the forearm, and the area can feel tender to touch.
3. What causes De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is often caused by overuse or repetitive activities that strain the tendons in the wrist and thumb region. Certain motions like lifting, gripping, or pinching can contribute to the condition. It’s also more common in women, especially during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
4. How is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically based on physical examination and a review of your medical history. The “Finkelstein test” is a common diagnostic tool where you bend your thumb across your palm and then bend your fingers down over your thumb while moving your wrist toward your little finger. If this causes pain, it suggests De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
5. How effective are these treatment options?
The effectiveness of treatment varies from person to person. Many individuals find relief from symptoms through conservative measures like rest, splinting, and physical therapy. Corticosteroid injections can provide short-term relief, while surgery is usually considered when other treatments fail to alleviate the condition.
6. Can De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis recur after treatment?
Yes, De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis can recur, especially if the underlying causes such as overuse or repetitive motions are not addressed. Following proper ergonomic practices and taking breaks during repetitive activities can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
7. When should I seek medical attention for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or limited movement in the wrist and thumb area, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and prevent the condition from worsening.
8. Can De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis be prevented?
While it may not be entirely preventable, you can reduce the risk by practicing good ergonomic habits, taking breaks during repetitive activities, and avoiding overuse of the wrist and thumb.
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