De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is inflammation of tendons of two muscles in the hand region called abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis.
These two tendons run side by side in a sheath and are lined with a lubricating material called tenosynovium. Tenosynovium normally helps the two tendons glide over each other smoothly and when there is inflammation of the tenosynovium, tenosynovitis is said to occur. Aside inflammation, there can also be thickening of the tendons. These processes, inflammation and thickening cause pain and sometimes noises around the wrist region as the hand is being used.
What are the symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
- In De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, the tendons of the fingers and wrists are the main regions affected.
- Individuals would often report specific position cause the hand pain, finger pain or thumb pain.
- There is usually pain when the fingers are passively extended and the fingers are at rest.
- As the inflammation and hypertrophy progress, and the two tendons rub against each other, a noise called crepitus can sometimes be heard during movement.
- As symptoms progress, there may be a sharp pain stabbing pain worse with activity and a constant dull ache at rest.
Causes of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis most often results from over-use injury such as repeated typing, texting or gaming.
- Systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, sarcoidosis, Systemic Lupus erythematosus
- Direct trauma and penetrating injuries
- Infectious tenosynovitis can also occur
Treatment of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
In instances when De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis occurs from repetitive injury, resting and changing your routine which triggered it is essential in recovery process
Keeping the wrist in neutral alignment would help
Splinting or taping the region to give it support also helps
PhysioCraft treatment protocol would include a review of your work environment with our ergonomist, soft tissue manipulation, splinting, progressive strengthening and range of motion exercises.
There are instances where the individual may benefit from use of glucocorticoid injection. Research has shown that combined use of physiotherapy and glucocorticoid injection can be beneficial for a group of clients.
If you have any questions, why don’t you give us a call on +2348035670888 or +2348171940921 or +2348179249555 we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have for free. Our centres are at
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Key words: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, Tenosynovitis, thumb pain, wrist pain, finger pain, hand pain,
