Home > Videos > Orthopedic > कलाई में दर्द होने के कारण और इलाज | De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis | Dr. Abhijeet Wahegaonkar

De Quervain Tenosynovitis – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis might sound like a mouthful, but it’s a condition that’s more common than you might think! And if your job or hobbies involve repetitive hand movements, there is a higher risk of developing this condition.

This condition, named after the French surgeon who first described it, can cause significant discomfort in the wrist and thumb. In this post, we will help you understand what this condition is, its symptoms, its causes, and how it can be treated.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a form of tendinitis. It affects the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. If you have De Quervain’s, you likely feel pain when you turn your wrist, grasp anything, or make a fist.

Now let’s take a look at the symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

When we talk about De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, the main thing that comes to mind is the discomfort it brings to everyday activities. The primary symptom, as it’s obvious, is pain. But let’s get into what that means for someone dealing with this condition. Here are some primary symptoms that you should keep an eye out for:

• More pain than regular Soreness

The pain associated with De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis isn’t just a regular soreness. It’s a specific kind of pain that starts at the base of your thumb and can shoot up towards the wrist. This isn’t the kind of pain you can easily ignore; it has a way of making itself known, especially when you’re using your hand.

• Simple Tasks Become Challenging

Think about the simple things you do every day – like chopping vegetables, typing on a keyboard, or maybe lifting a glass of water. For someone with De Quervain’s, these routine tasks can become a real challenge. The pain can be sharp and intense, making it hard to grip or hold onto things. It’s like having a constant reminder that something isn’t right every time you move your hand.

• The Pain Can Come and Go

Another thing about this pain is that it can be quite unpredictable. One moment you might feel fine, and the next, you’re wincing in pain as you try to open a jar or twist a doorknob. This inconsistency can be frustrating and even a little scary, as you’re never quite sure when the pain will hit.

• It’s Not Just About Pain

While pain is the most noticeable symptom, there’s more to it. You might also feel a kind of tenderness when you press around the base of your thumb. For some people, there’s even swelling, which makes the area look puffy and stiff.

Have queries or concern ?

While the exact cause isn’t always crystal clear, one major factor is consistent: motion, particularly repetitive motion that strains the wrist. This condition is often the result of overusing the wrist, leading to irritation and inflammation of the tendons.

Imagine the daily routine of a new parent, constantly lifting their child, or a gardener repetitively digging and planting – these actions can put a strain on the wrists. The same goes for golfers perfecting their swing or office workers typing for hours on end. All these activities involve movements that are repeated over and over again, which can gradually wear down the tendons in the wrist.

But this wear and tear doesn’t happen overnight. It builds up slowly, with the tendons in the wrist becoming increasingly irritated and swollen. The result is the pain and discomfort associated with De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.

There is more than one type of treatment available for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. It largely depends on the patient and the cause of the condition. Similarly, the severity of the condition also plays a vital role in picking the best treatment alternative. Here are some of the primary treatment options available:

• Splinting:  The first line of treatment usually involves wearing a splint to restrict the movement of the thumb and wrist, giving the affected tendons time to rest and heal. This is effective for most people.

• Rest: It’s crucial to give your wrist a break from activities that cause pain and strain. This might mean changing how you perform certain tasks or even taking a break from specific activities.

• Physiotherapy: In some cases, physiotherapy is recommended. A physiotherapist can teach exercises that strengthen the muscles and improve the range of motion, which can help alleviate the symptoms.

• Medication: For pain relief, doctors may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen. In some cases, corticosteroid injections into the tendon sheath can reduce swelling and pain.

• Surgery: If other treatments don’t bring relief, surgery might be necessary. This procedure involves opening the covering of the tendons to give them more room to move without irritation.

It’s always advisable to consult with a trained hand surgeon or a specialist in musculoskeletal disorders if you’re experiencing persistent pain in your wrist and thumb. They can provide a proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a treatable condition, but early diagnosis and proper management are key. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, don’t ignore them. Pay attention to your body’s signals, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Remember, taking care of your health is essential, and that includes the health of your wrists and hands!

If you still have some doubts about the condition or its treatment, do not hesitate to reach out. Our experts are here to help. Talking to the right specialist is the key to fixing this condition. So feel free to reach out.

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