Blog by Neha, Physiotherapy
Have you ever experienced pain near your thumb, especially when trying to grip or hold something? That nagging discomfort might be more than just a sore hand—it could be De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a common condition that affects many people, from new parents to smartphone users.
What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis happens when the tendons around the base of your thumb become irritated or swollen. Tendons are like rubber bands that connect your muscles to your bones, helping you move. When they swell, they rub against the surrounding structures, causing pain, especially when you try to use your thumb or wrist.
What Causes It?
This condition is usually caused by repetitive movements or overuse. Here are some common activities that can lead to De Quervain’s:
1.Lifting your baby (common in new parents)
2.Texting or scrolling on your phone for long periods
3.Playing video games
4.Typing or working at a computer for hours
5.Sports like golf or tennis where wrist movements are repetitive
6.Even day-to-day tasks, like opening jars or cutting vegetables, can trigger the pain if done repeatedly.
What Are the Symptoms?
De Quervain’s can be easy to spot because the pain is quite specific. The main symptoms include:
1. Pain or tenderness near the base of your thumb
2.Swelling on the thumb side of the wrist
3.Difficulty gripping or pinching objects
4.A feeling of “stiffness” or catching when moving your thumb
5. Pain that can radiate into your forearm
If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth paying attention. Ignoring it might make it worse over time.
How Is It Treated?
The good news is that De Quervain’s can be managed effectively with the right care. Here’s how
1. Rest and Modify Activities: Stop or reduce activities that cause pain. Give your thumb and wrist time to heal.
2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice can reduce swelling and pain. Aim for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
3. Splinting: Wearing a thumb splint (a soft brace) keeps your thumb in a neutral position, reducing strain.
4. Gentle Stretches and Exercises: Over time, guided stretches and exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist can help strengthen the tendons and prevent future issues.
5. Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can provide targeted treatment, including massage, joint mobilization, and specialized exercises to speed up recovery.
6. Medications: In some cases, your doctor might suggest anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce pain and swelling.
7. Corticosteroid Injections: If pain persists, a doctor may recommend a steroid injection to reduce inflammation.
8. Surgery (in rare cases): When conservative treatments don’t work, surgery might be necessary to release the pressure on the tendons. But this is typically a last resort.
How Can You Prevent It?
1. To avoid getting De Quervain’s in the first place, or to stop it from coming back, you can make a few small changes to your routine:
2. Take breaks during activities that involve repetitive wrist or thumb movements.
3. Switch hands when lifting heavy objects or your baby.
4. Use proper ergonomics when working on the computer.
5. Stretch regularly if you use your phone or computer a lot.
Conclusion
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis might be painful, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be a long-term problem. Early intervention and proper treatment, like physiotherapy, can help you get back to doing what you love—pain-free!
If you’re experiencing thumb or wrist pain, don’t ignore it. Visit our clinic to learn more about how we can help you feel better, faster. Our expert physiotherapists are here to support you on your journey to recovery.
