Treatment FAQ

who should i see for treatment for de quervain's tendinosis

by Veronica Collier Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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.Jul 23, 2020

Full Answer

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. ...

What is the prognosis of De Quervain tenosynovitis?

The prognosis for de Quervain's tenosynovitis is excellent. The patient can generally return to full function after the inflammation quiets down with treatment. Sometimes bracing is used during future activities that involve repetitive wrist motion. Is it possible to prevent de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

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 to cure tenosynovitis?

Treatment Options for Tenosynovitis. The primary treatment goal for tenosynovitis is to reduce pain and inflammation. Applying a heat or cool pack can help with this, as well as resting and keeping the tendons as still as possible. Other treatment options can include: Physical Therapy.

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Which specialist treats de Quervain tenosynovitis?

Specialists who treat de Quervain's tenosynovitis include orthopedic surgeons, sports-medicine doctors, and rheumatologists. Occupational therapists and physical therapists can be involved in the care of patients with de Quervain's tenosynovitis.

What happens if De Quervain's goes untreated?

If the condition goes too long without treatment, the pain may spread further into your thumb, back into your forearm or both. Pinching, grasping and other movements of your thumb and wrist aggravate the pain.

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.

Can chiropractor treat de Quervain's?

De Quervain\'s Tenosynovitis can be treated conservatively, through chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic care for De Quervain\'s Tenosynovitis is often helpful, as it non-invasive and rarely result in a required surgery.

Do cortisone shots work for de Quervain's?

People do get pain relief from cortisone injections for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis. Sometimes one injection can provide months of relief.

When do you need surgery for de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

When is surgical release done for De Quervain's tenosynovitis? If exercises done at home increase the pain, or the pain is still there after a month, you need a doctor. A doctor makes a diagnosis by performing a simple exercise. You'll put your thumb in the palm of your hand and make a fist.

Is heat good for de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

Try ice or heat. 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.

Does massage help 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.

Is compression good for de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis symptoms can include pain, catching and decreased grip strength. Treat this and all tenosynovitis pain with the principles of acute injury care of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation).

Can De Quervain's tenosynovitis cause permanent damage?

It's essential that you treat de Quervain's. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the movement of your wrist and thumb or cause the tendon sheath to burst.

Can a chiropractor adjust your thumb?

If you try the exercises and they're too painful to perform, even the first time, consider coming into to see us for an adjustment. Our approach using DNFT chiropractic can help decrease the inflammation AND align the bones so your thumb and the surrounding tissue functions at its best.

Can a chiropractor fix thumb pain?

If a mechanical diagnosis has been made, the chiropractor can begin to work his magic. Very often treating not only the thumb, but other joints including the wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck which all can play a role in the genesis of the thumb pain.

How to test for de Quervain's tendinosis?

To determine whether or not you have De Quervain's tendinosis, your physician may ask you to perform the Finkelstein test by placing your thumb against your hand, making a fist with your fingers closed over your thumb, and then bending your wrist toward your little finger.

Why does De Quervain tendonitis occur?

Causes. De Quervain's tendinosis may be caused by overuse. It also is associated with pregnancy and rheumatoid disease. It is most common in middle-aged women.

How to treat irritated thumb?

Surgical Treatment. Surgery may be recommended if symptoms are severe or do not improve. The goal of surgery is to open the thumb compartment (covering) to make more room for the irritated tendons. During surgery, your doctor will open the tendon sheath over the inflamed tendons.

What is the best way to relieve pain from a tendon?

Splints. Splints may be used to rest the thumb and wrist. Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs). These medications can be taken by mouth or injected into a tendon compartment. This may help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Avoiding activities that cause pain and swelling.

Where are the tendons on the thumb?

Two of the main tendons to the thumb pass through a tunnel (or series of pulleys) located on the thumb side of the wrist. Tendons are rope-like structures that attach muscle to bone. Tendons are covered by a slippery thin soft-tissue layer, called synovium.

What is the term for a swelling of the tendons around the base of the thumb?

De Quervain's Tendinosis. De Quervain's tendinosis occurs when the tendons around the base of the thumb are irritated or constricted. The word "tendinosis" refers to a swelling of the tendons. Swelling of the tendons, and the tendon sheath, can cause pain and tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist. This is particularly noticeable ...

How is de Quervain's tendinosis diagnosed?

How is de Quervain’s tendinosis diagnosed? The test most often used to diagnose de Quervain’s tendinosis is the Finkelstein test. Your doctor will ask you to make a fist with your fingers wrapped over your thumb.

How common is de Quervain's tendinosis?

This condition affects women eight to 10 times more often than men.

What is de Quervain's tendinitis?

What is de Quervain’s tendinosis? De Quervain’s tendinosis is a painful swelling (inflammation) of specific tendons of the thumb. The condition is also known as de Quervain tendinitis or de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. DeQuervain’s was named after the Swiss surgeon who first described the condition in 1895.

How to treat a swollen thumb?

Your healthcare provider may start with non-surgical treatments to improve your symptoms. These non-surgical treatments can include: 1 Using splints. Splints may be worn to rest the wrist and thumb and keep it from moving. Splints are usually worn 24-hours-a-day for four to six weeks. 2 Applying ice to your thumb and wrist area to reduce swelling. 3 Avoiding activities that are causing pain and swelling. 4 Taking medications. If symptoms continue, your doctor may give you anti-inflammatory medication, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, to decrease pain and swelling. Steroid injection (s) into the tendon sheath may also be considered.

How to reduce swelling in thumb and wrist?

Applying ice to your thumb and wrist area to reduce swelling. Avoiding activities that are causing pain and swelling. Taking medications. If symptoms continue, your doctor may give you anti-inflammatory medication, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, to decrease pain and swelling.

How to heal tendonitis in thumb?

Upon recovery, your physician will recommend an exercise program to strengthen your thumb and wrist. Recovery times vary, depending on your age, general health, and how long the symptoms have been present. In cases that have developed gradually, the tendinosis is usually more difficult to manage.

Do you need surgery for de Quervain's tendonitis?

De Quervain’s tendinosis usually responds very well to treatment. Many people do not need surgery. Treatment with braces, anti-inflammatory medications and rest often corrects the condition. Cases that require surgery have a high success rate. However, de Quervain’s tendinosis does need to be treated.

What is the treatment for thumb and carpometacarpal joint?

This image demonstrates the Prolotherapy injection treatment to the thumb and the carpometacarpal joint. The goal of the treatment is to strengthen and tighten the ligaments of the hand and bring the bones back towards a more natural alignment. This will reduce or alleviate pain and restore better function.

What is the tendon sheath covered by?

In the illustration above you get a simple understanding that the tendon sheath is covered by arteries, veins, and nerve networks. As mentioned many people have very successful surgeries. Others get nerve damage.

Can de Quervain's cause bone death?

Cortisone injections for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis cause bone death. This picture illustrates the location of the scaphoid bone, one of the small carpal bones that sits below the thumb joint. Research has shown that repeated local glucocorticoid injections can damage or even destroy this bone.

Does Relaxin release the pelvis?

But Relaxin’s release is not limited to the pelvis , it circulates in the body and can cause problems with ligaments and tendons including the tendons of the thumb and wrist. During my pregnancy, I suffered from De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.

Can you get surgery with cortisone?

Many multiple cortisone injection patients get surgery anyway. In the American Journal of Hand Surgery ( 5 ), doctors at the University of Michigan examined cortisone injection benefits in patients with three different hand problems: Carpal tunnel syndrome , trigger finger, or de Quervain tenosynovitis.

Can intratendon sheath steroid injections cause skin atrophy?

Skin atrophy is a potential complication of intratendon sheath steroid injections and patients should be warned of this as part of their consent process. Skin atrophy from intratendon sheath steroid preparations can be rapid due to the potency and persistence of the steroid in the subcutaneous tissues.

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.

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.

What are the causes of De Quervain's disease?

typing. carpentry. carrying a child. The condition is more common in women than men and often happens after pregnancy. Other causes include scar tissue formation from an injury or inflammatory arthritis.

Can steroid injections help with swelling?

If someone is still suffering symptoms after therapy, steroid injections may be used to reduce the swelling. If the symptoms do not ease after treatment, a doctor may recommend an ultrasound to try to establish if there is some other reason for the pain. In some cases, the condition can be eased with an operation.

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.

How to know if your thumb is snapping?

Feel pain when moving the wrist from side to side or twisting it. Experience limited motion and feeling of weakness in the thumb. Have difficulty flexing the thumb. Notice a "catching" or "snapping" sensation with movement of the thumb (a less common symptom).

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 ...

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.

What to do if you don't have weight?

If you don’t have a weight, you can use a can of food or a hammer. You can also fill a water bottle with water, sand, or rocks. You can do these exercises a few times throughout the day. Make sure you don’t cause any additional stress or strain by overdoing it.

What to do if you have a flare up on your wrist?

You can also use hot and cold therapy on your wrist or take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil) for pain relief .

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:

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.

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.

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