Treatment FAQ

how to treatment de quervain's tenosynovitis with physical therapy

by Robbie Orn Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The test for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is positive if this makes the pain worse. The individual is usually referred to a physiotherapist or hand specialist for treatment, including exercises, such as those described above. As well as exercises, treatment will also include rest, anti-inflammatory painkillers, and wearing a splint.

Specific instructions may include avoiding repetitive thumb and/or wrist movements, avoid flexing the thumb, and avoid moving the hand toward the pinkie finger as much as possible. You should also avoid forceful hand movements, and any movements or activities that increase pain.Jun 24, 2020

Full Answer

How to diagnose dequervains disease?

The person having De Quervain’s disease will experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain at the base of the thumb
  • Swelling at the base of the thumb
  • Difficulty in moving the wrist and thumb

How can you recover from De Quervain's disease?

Recovering from De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Surgery Self-Care Measures After Surgery. Once patients are back home after De Quervain's tenosynovitis and the local anesthesia begins to wear off, they will notice pain and swelling in the thumb ... Timeline for Recovery Milestones. ... Potential Risks and Complications. ...

Do you need surgery to treat de Quervain's disease?

Most cases of De Quervain's tenosynovitis can be treated without surgery . Typically, symptoms should start to improve after 4 to 6 weeks of treatment. Nonsurgical treatment options for De Quervain's tenosynovitis include: Rest. Patients should minimize wrist and thumb movement in the affected hand.

How you can help treat de Quervain's tendonitis?

NSAIDs. Pain medications that also alleviate inflammation, such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Alieve), can help ease De Quervain's tenosynovitis symptoms. ... Physical therapy. ... Steroid (cortisone) injections. ...

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Can physical therapy help de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

Physical therapists help people with de Quervain's avoid painful movements. They provide treatments to reduce pain and inflammation and prescribe exercises to improve strength and range of motion. They also educate people about the condition and recommend ways to modify activities and positions.

How do you rehab De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

Finkelstein stretchHold your arms out in front of you. ... Bend your thumb toward your palm.Use your other hand to gently stretch your thumb and wrist downward until you feel the stretch on the thumb side of your wrist.Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds.Repeat 2 to 4 times.

Can you massage De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

Manual therapy treatment for De Quervain's Syndrome: As an inflammatory condition, icing is critically important. Given the presence of stenotic adhesions within the tendon sheath, cross fiber massage work at the distal tendons and their synovial sheath are also important.

How do you heal De Quervain's tenosynovitis fast?

Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy are very effective in treating De Quervain's syndrome. To decrease the inflammation of the tendons, avoid repetitive movement of the thumb and gripping movements as much as possible. A splint can be used to rest the tendons. Apply ice to help reduce the inflammation faster.

How do you exercise with tenosynovitis?

Lift your thumb away from your palm so it's nearly perpendicular to the forefinger side of your hand. You'll feel a stretch at the back of your thumb and across your palm. Keep your thumb extended for about 6 seconds and release. Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Is massage good for tenosynovitis?

Physiotherapy and massage Massages or other treatments in a physiotherapy practice can help too. Sometimes tenosynovitis is also treated with acupuncture or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Is heat good for de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

Put ice or a cold pack on your thumb and wrist for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. You can use heat for 20 to 30 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. Try using a heating pad, hot shower, or hot pack.

What exercises can I do with wrist tendonitis?

ExercisesWrist Tendonitis Rehabilitation ExercisesFlexion: Gently bend your wrist forward. Hold for 5 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10. ... Extension: Gently bend your wrist backward. Hold this position 5 seconds. ... Side to side: Gently move your wrist from side to side (a handshake motion). Hold for 5 seconds at each end.

Can you lift weights with de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

In patients who participate in activities such as racquet sports, weight lifting, golfing, and rowing, a strengthening program for the wrist and forearm, prior to starting activities may be useful. Patients can return to activities once they have relief of symptoms including pain free full movement without swelling.

How do you reduce tendon inflammation naturally?

To treat tendinitis at home, R.I.C.E. is the acronym to remember — rest, ice, compression and elevation. This treatment can help speed your recovery and help prevent further problems. Rest. Avoid activities that increase the pain or swelling.

How can I treat de Quervain's disease myself?

TherapyImmobilizing your thumb and wrist, keeping them straight with a splint or brace to help rest your tendons.Avoiding repetitive thumb movements as much as possible.Avoiding pinching with your thumb when moving your wrist from side to side.Applying ice to the affected area.

How long does de Quervain's tenosynovitis take to heal?

It may take 6 to 12 weeks for your hand to heal completely. After you heal, you may be able to move your wrist and thumb without pain. How soon you can return to work depends on your job. If you can do your job without using your hand, you may be able to go back after 1 or 2 days.

How to get rid of a swollen thigh?

Sit on a chair with your legs spread slightly open. Grasp one end of an elastic band with your right hand. Lean forward, put your right elbow on your right thigh, and let your forearm drop down between your knees. Using your left foot, step on the other end of the elastic band.

What causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist?

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is an inflammatory condition. It causes pain at the thumb side of your wrist where the base of your thumb meets your forearm. If you have de Quervain’s, strengthening exercises have been shown to speed up the healing process and reduce your symptoms. For example, certain exercises can help:

Can de Quervain's cause burst tendon?

It’s essential that you treat de Quervain’s. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to your range of motion or cause the tendon sheath to burst. Last medically reviewed on November 1, 2018.

How long does it take for de Quervain's tenosynovitis to heal?

If you start treatment early, your symptoms should improve within four to six weeks.

How to fix a swollen wrist?

Immobilizing your thumb and wrist, keeping them straight with a splint or brace to help rest your tendons. Avoiding repetitive thumb movements as much as possible. Avoiding pinching with your thumb when moving your wrist from side to side. Applying ice to the affected area.

How to stop numbness in thumb and wrist?

Avoid moving your wrists the same way repeatedly. Wear a brace or splint if suggested by your doctor. Follow through with recommended exercises. Note activity that causes pain, swelling or numbness in your thumb and wrist, try to avoid it, and share that information with your doctor.

What is the pain on the side of the thumb?

Your doctor will also perform a Finkelstein test, in which you bend your thumb across the palm of your hand and bend your fingers down over your thumb. Then you bend your wrist toward your little finger. If this causes pain on the thumb side of your wrist, you likely have de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, generally aren't ...

Can a doctor open a tendon sheath?

If your case is more serious, your doctor may recommend outpatient surgery. Surgery involves a procedure in which your doctor inspects the sheath surrounding the involved tendon or tendons, and then opens the sheath to release the pressure so your tendons can glide freely.

What is the test for de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

The test for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is positive if this makes the pain worse. The individual is usually referred to a physiotherapist or hand specialist for treatment, including exercises, such as those described above.

How long do you have to wear a splint for de Quervain's teno

People with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis are usually recommended to wear a splint for 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, the splint can be removed to carry out the following exercises. 1) The individual places the affected hand palm down on a flat surface, such as a table.

How to tell if your thumb is swollen?

swelling and tenderness on the side of the wrist. feeling or hearing creaking as the tendons slide through the sheath. Movements that involve the thumb and wrist, including pinching, grasping, or wringing will make the pain worse.

Why does my thumb hurt when I move it?

A sprain or overusing the tendons through repetitive movements of the thumb at work or during sport tend to make the swelling and pain worse.

What is the pain in the base of the thumb?

The main symptom of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is swelling and pain at the base of the thumb. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the sheath, or synovium, that surrounds the two tendons that run between the wrist and the thumb. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that attach muscles to bone.

What is the condition where the thumb is painful?

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis refers to inflammation of the tendons in the thumb. The condition makes it painful when a person moves their thumb. There are some exercises that people can do at home to help alleviate the symptoms. This article describes what to do.

How many times does it take for a thumb to move?

With the other hand, the affected thumb is moved away from the fingers, then brought back in line with them. The movement is repeated 5 to 10 times . 3) The affected hand is placed flat on the table, palm first. Keeping the hand still, the thumb is moved out to the side, as far as feels comfortable, then returned.

How to treat de Quervain's pain?

Common forms of treatment for De Quervain’s include splinting and range-of-motion exercises. Injection for cortisone by a doctor is common treatment. Persistent cases may require surgery.

How does it feel to have de Quervain's tendinitis?

How Does It Feel? A person who has De Quervain's tendinitis may: Feel localized tenderness, pain, and, swelling at the wrist near where the thumb is attached to the forearm. Have difficulty pinching or grasping with the thumb or hand. Feel pain when moving the wrist from side to side or twisting it.

What is the de Quervain's tendon?

De Quervain's tendinitis is a common condition involving tendons of the wrist. Tendons are tough cords or bands of connective tissue that attach muscles to a bone. The thumb and wrist extensor tendons (Abductor Pollicus Longus and Extensor Pollicus Brevis) are encased in a "sheath" or a tunnel at the wrist, which keeps the tendons in place.

What is the best treatment for swelling and pain?

Iontophoresis is another option to reduce swelling and pain. Iontophoresis is a type of electrical stimulation that is used to administer medication to the problem area through your skin. Ice or heat may be recommended for short term pain relief. Your therapist will advise you for what is best for your condition.

How to stop a pinkie from hurting?

Specific instructions may include avoiding repetitive thumb and/or wrist movements, avoid flexing the thumb, and avoid moving the hand toward the pinkie finger as much as possible. You should also avoid forceful hand movements, and any movements or activities that increase pain.

What is the pain in the thumb side of the wrist?

Physical Therapy Guide to De Quervain’s Tendinitis. De Quervain's (dih-kwer-VAINS) tendinitis is a condition that causes pain and tenderness at the thumb side of the wrist, at the base of the thumb and forearm. Pain is worsened with grasping or extending the thumb (pulling it back like "thumbing a ride"). People of all ages can develop this ...

What are the risk factors for de Quervain's tendinitis?

Risk factors for developing De Quervain's tendinitis include: Chronic overuse of the hand. Excessive use of the thumb from texting and gaming. Being female (women are 8 to 10 times more likely to develop this condition than men). Pregnancy.

How to treat de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

Tid Bits of Info 1 De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis symptoms can include pain, catching and decreased grip strength. 2 Treat this and all tenosynovitis pain with the principles of acute injury care of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). 3 Wearing a splint that limits the motion of the thumb is usually part of the treatment protocol. 4 In many instances, the symptoms will not resolve until an injection of cortisone is administered. 5 Seek the advice and guidance of your Physical Therapist to address and treat the symptoms associated with De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.

Where is De Quervain's on the wrist?

De Quervain’s is an inflammation of the tendons or tendon sheaths of the muscle tendons that course along the thumb side of the wrist and insert into the backside of the thumb. Muscles are attached to the bone via a tendon. The tendon is leather like in consistency and has a smooth silk sheath surrounding it.

What is the procedure to release a tendon sheath?

Surgery – Very infrequently, surgery is performed to “release” the tendon sheath and allow the tendon to glide more easily. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is common in people who use their hands repeatedly and have to grasp forcefully with the thumb. The symptoms include pain, “catching” and weakness of the thumb and grip.

What is Finkelstein's maneuver?

This test is done with the patient holding their thumb in the palm of their hand with the other fingers (“making a fist with the thumb wrapped by the fingers) and extending the arm fully at the elbow and the thumb pointing towards the ceiling.

What are the three tendons in the tendons?

There are three tendons located in this area (Extensor Pollicis Longus, Extensor Pollicis Brevis and Abductor Pollicis Longus). If one or all three are injured through overuse or the trauma of blunt force, symptoms resembling De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis will result.

What is the sheath of a tendon?

The tendon is leather like in consistency and has a smooth silk sheath surrounding it. The sheath is synovium, which produces fluid and acts as a tunnel that enables the tendon to “glide” or “slide” through it. If the sheath or tendons on the back of the thumb are injured, a person can suffer from De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.

What is the pain in the back of the thumb?

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a condition of pain and swelling on the back of thumb and stretching down along the wrist. People suffering from this disorder may experience a continual ache that inflames when the thumb is used to grip or lift. While the specific causes are not clear, there are treatment options that can help reduce pain ...

What is the aetiology of de Quervain tenosynovitis?

Aetiology. De Quervain tenosynovitis. Has been attributed to myxoid degeneration ( the process in which the connective tissues are replaced by a gelatinous substance) with fibrous tissue deposits and increased vascularity rather than acute inflammation of the synovial lining.

What is the pain of de Quervain's tendons?

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is a painful inflammation of tendons on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb. These tendons include the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) and the abductor pollicis longus (APL). These muscles are located on the dorsal side of the forearm and go to the lateral side of the thumb through a fibrous-osseous tunnel made ...

What is the most important component of treatment for tenosynovitis?

Splinting is the most important component of treatment for tenosynovitis. It was found that a splint that allowed for some movement was superior to complete immobilization of the thumb with respect to duration of the disability. Time off from work was neither necessary nor desirable. Differential Diagnosis.

What causes a tendon to be inflamed?

Repetitive gripping, grasping, clenching, pinching, or wringing of objects can cause inflammation of the tendons and tendon sheaths and narrows the first dorsal compartment and causes limitation of motion of the tendons.

Can a thumb splint be used for de Quervain's disease?

Ultrasound is thought to improve the treatment outcome and can be used as a diagnostic tool in the management of de Quervain’s disease .

What is non surgical treatment for DQTS?

The goal of treatment is pain relief and restoration of a fully functioning hand and wrist.

What is the condition of the thumb extensor tendons?

De Quervain’s te nosynovitis (DQTS), also known as chronic stenotic tenosynovitis and de Quervain’s disease (DQD), is a condition affecting the thumb extensor tendons and has many non surgical and operative treatments. It is a disorder characterized by pain of varying degrees of severity in the radial side of the wrist due to restricted gliding ...

Why is it so difficult to determine the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications?

Determining the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) is difficult because they are often combined with other treatment modalities in most series examining their use for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

Is de Quervain's disease an inflammatory disease?

The general consensus is that it is not an inflammatory condition. The prevalence rate of de Quervain’s disease in the general population is 0.5% for males and 1.3% for females. Other reports show the risk of de Quervain’s disease is relatively higher in the black race and in occupations involving repetitive use of hand [3-4].

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Diagnosis

Treatment

  • Treatment for de Quervain's tenosynovitis is aimed at reducing inflammation, preserving movement in the thumb and preventing recurrence. If you start treatment early, your symptoms should improve within four to six weeks. If your de Quervain's tenosynovitis starts during pregnancy, symptoms are likely to end around the end of either pregnancy or br...
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Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • If you don't need surgery, caring for your condition is much the same as preventing it: 1. Avoid moving your wrists the same way repeatedly. 2. Wear a brace or splint if suggested by your doctor. 3. Follow through with recommended exercises. 4. Note activity that causes pain, swelling or numbness in your thumb and wrist, try to avoid it, and share that information with your doctor.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Make an appointment with your doctor if you have hand- or wrist-related pain and self-care measures — such as avoiding activities that trigger your pain — aren't helping. After an initial exam, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedist, rheumatologist, hand therapist or occupational therapist. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
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