De Quervain tenosynovitis

If you have de Quervain tenosynovitis, you may experience the following symptoms:

– Pain around the base of your thumb
– Swelling near the bottom of your thumb
– Difficulty moving your thumb and wrist when gripping or pinching
– A sensation of “”sticking”” or “”stop-and-go”” when moving your thumb

If left untreated, the pain may spread to your thumb, forearm, or both. Moving your thumb and wrist may make the pain more intense.

If you are experiencing ongoing pain or difficulty with function despite trying the following measures:
Abstaining from using your affected thumb
Applying cold to the affected area
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen sodium (Aleve)

It is recommended that you seek advice from your healthcare provider.

De Quervain tenosynovitis is a condition that affects the tendons located on the thumb side of the wrist. Tendons are cord-like structures that connect muscles to bones. Chronic overuse, such as repetitive hand motions daily, can irritate the protective covering surrounding the tendons. This irritation can cause the tendons to become thicker and swollen, restricting their movement through the narrow tunnel that connects them to the base of the thumb.

In addition to chronic overuse, other factors can contribute to the development of de Quervain tenosynovitis. These include inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, direct injury to the wrist or tendon that may cause scar tissue and restrict tendon movement, and fluid retention due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing de Quervain tenosynovitis. These include being between the ages of 30 and 50, being a woman, being pregnant, repeatedly lifting a child, which involves using the thumbs as leverage, and having a job or hobby that involves repetitive hand and wrist motions. Awareness of these risk factors and preventing this condition is essential.

De Quervain tenosynovitis is a painful inflammation of the tendons in the wrist. To avoid this condition, it is essential to take good care of your wrist and hand muscles. To prevent De Quervain tenosynovitis, you should avoid repetitive motions, use proper ergonomics while working, and take breaks to stretch your hand and wrist muscles. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet is crucial. If you experience pain or swelling in your wrist, seek medical attention immediately to prevent further damage.