De Quevain Tendinitis

De Quervain’s tendinitis, also known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. If you have De Quervain’s tendinitis, it may hurt when you turn your wrist, grasp anything, or make a fist.

Symptoms

Pain near the base of the thumb

The pain may appear suddenly or develop over time and usually gets worse with use of the hand and thumb.

Swelling near the base of the thumb

You may notice swelling at the base of your thumb, which can cause difficulty with thumb movement.

Difficulty moving the thumb and wrist

This might lead to a sticking or snapping sensation when you try to move your thumb.

A "catching" or "snapping" feeling

You may feel a sticking sensation in your thumb when trying to move it, which is often accompanied by pain.

Causes

De Quervain’s tendinitis is often caused by repetitive hand or wrist movements, such as:
– Lifting a baby
– Gardening

– Playing certain sports like golf or tennis
– Working on a computer or repetitive typing

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of De Quervain’s tendinitis is usually based on your symptoms and a physical examination by a healthcare provider. One common test used is the **Finkelstein test**, where you bend your thumb across your

palm and then bend your fingers down over your thumb. The provider will then move your wrist towards the little finger side. If this motion causes pain at the base of your thumb, you may have De Quervain’s tendinitis.

Treatment

Treatment options often depend on the severity of the condition:
1. Rest and Ice: Avoid activities that cause pain and apply ice to reduce swelling.
2. Splinting: Wearing a splint to keep the thumb and wrist straight and still can help alleviate symptoms.
3. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling.

4. Physical Therapy: Exercises can help strengthen the muscles in your hand, reduce stiffness, and improve range of motion.
5. Corticosteroid Injections: These can be injected into the tendon sheath to reduce inflammation.
6. Surgery: In severe cases, surgery might be recommended to release the pressure on the tendons.

Prevention

To prevent De Quervain’s tendinitis, it’s advisable to:
– Avoid repetitive movements that strain the wrist and thumb.

– Take breaks when performing tasks that involve wrist and thumb movements.
– Use proper hand and wrist positioning while performing activities.

If you suspect you have De Quervain’s tendinitis, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

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