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What Is De Quervain's Syndrome?
When you grab, squeeze, pinch, or twist something in your hand, the two tendons of the wrist and lower thumb usually slide smoothly through the small tunnel that connects them to the base of the thumb. However, day-to-day repeated movements can irritate the sheaths around the two tendons, causing swelling that limits their movement.
De Quervain’s syndrome, often known as gamer’s thumb or de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, is the inflammation of tendons that runs along the wrist and thumb. This condition occurs due to mucoid degeneration of the tendons responsible for the wrist and thumb movement.
What Causes De Quervain's Syndrome?
When you rip or overburden a few of the muscle fibres of your back, you get pulled muscles. This can occur if you overstretch the power or bend it too hard. Pain and swelling are likely to happen, and the spot will be sensitive to the touch. You might notice some bruising or redness.
How To Heal Stress Fracture In The Ankle?
The exact cause of de Quervain’s syndrome is still unknown. However, it has been noticed because of:
- A direct blow to the thumb
- Gaming/ intensive mouse use.
- Hobbies like gardening or racket sports
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases
- Repetitive work.
The contributing factors for de Quervain’s are:
- Age: Age between 30 and 50 are at higher risk of developing this condition.
- Sex: Females are more prone to getting de Quervain’s syndrome.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Type of work that involves repetitive movement.
How to Do De Quervain's Syndrome Treatment?
Your doctor will perform a physical examination to make the initial diagnosis. For example, a Finkelstein test is done by applying pressure on the thumb side to check if it hurts. However, imagining tests such as x-ray isn’t usually required to diagnose de Quervain’s syndrome.
Treatment
The treatment is directed at reducing pain and swelling. Doctors recommend over-the-counter medication with physical therapy.
With proper treatment, the condition subsides within four to six weeks. However, if de Quervain’s syndrome affects during pregnancy, the state may last until the pregnancy ends or during breastfeeding.
Medication
Medication, including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may be given to counter pain and swelling. Corticosteroid injections are also recommended in some cases where the injection is directed and placed into the tendon sheath to reduce pain and swelling.
Most people recover fully if treatment is initiated within six months of the condition.
Therapy
Initially, your doctor may recommend:
- Immobilizing the affected area.
- Avoid repetitive movement.
- Avoid picking or pinching using your thumb.
- Apply a cold compress.
Palliative treatments such as a splint or brace are recommended to immobilize the thumb. By restricting movement, pain and inflammation will reduce eventually. In addition, your doctor may recommend stretching and strengthening exercises to reduce the stress on your wrist.
Surgery
In cases where symptoms don’t improve or become severe, then surgery is recommended to make room for irritated sheath by tendon sheath release. The procedure is done without affecting the movement of a wrist.
After surgery, it is recommended to rest appropriately to strengthen and restore your body movement. A physical therapist or occupational therapist will be needed to teach you strengthening exercises and explain how to cope with daily tasks to prevent problems in the future.
What Is the Best WRIST & THUMB Brace for De Quervain's Syndrome?
Non-surgical treatments usually succeed in resolving de Quervain’s syndrome. The goal of treatment should be to reduce swelling and inflammation of tendons and the pain associated with it. A Tendonitis Wrist Brace is recommended to immobilize the thumb. Patients who need to wear the brace throughout the day prefer easy-to-wear and washable material WorldBrace’s custom-made brace is both supportive and lighter.
WorldBrace is the best wrist brace supplier that offers:
- Custom Made Thermoplastic that immobilizes both the wrist and thumb
- Neoprene material prevents moisture buildup.
- Excellent stability
If you are looking for supportive yet heavy duty, you can find brace accustomed to your requirement at WorldBrace.
De Quervain's Syndrome ,Wrist tendonitis- Everything You Need To Know
faq
What is de Quervain's Syndrome recovery time?
With proper treatment, it usually takes six weeks to recover. However, if the symptoms appear during pregnancy, they will likely end around the end of pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How do I know if my hand is de Quervain's Syndrome?
Patients with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis represent sharp pain at the side of the wrist. The pain usually increases with the movement of the thumb or wrist. If you observe swelling or redness on the site or feel tenderness over the affected tendon, it indicates de Quervain’s Syndrome.