De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Wrist pain is a common symptom for most wrist conditions. Visit us at one of our clinics in Etobicoke, Mississauga or ClarksonGO for a detailed assessment of your wrist pain conditions.
What is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis, also known as De Quervain's syndrome, is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist - abductor pollicis longus (APL) and the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) muscles, It occurs when the tendons that run from the wrist to the thumb become inflamed and irritated. This can cause pain and swelling at the base of the thumb and wrist, and may make it difficult to perform everyday activities that involve gripping or twisting motions.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements, or by putting excessive stress on the wrist joint. It is often seen in people who engage in activities that involve repetitive wrist and thumb movements, such as playing musical instruments, gardening, knitting, and using a computer mouse.
The condition is more common in women than men, and may also be more likely to occur during pregnancy or in people with certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the symptoms of De Quervain's tenosynovitis?
The main symptoms of De Quervain's tenosynovitis are pain and swelling at the base of the thumb and wrist. The pain may be felt when the thumb is moved or when pressure is applied to the affected area. Other symptoms may include:
- Difficulty grasping objects or making a fist
- A popping or snapping sensation when moving the thumb
- Tenderness or sensitivity around the affected tendons
- Weakness in the thumb or wrist
- A feeling of numbness or tingling in the thumb or fingers
The symptoms of De Quervain's tenosynovitis may worsen over time if left untreated, and can make it difficult to perform everyday activities that involve using the wrist and thumb. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a physiotherapist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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How can a physiotherapist help in De Quervain's tenosynovitis?
Physiotherapists are your first point of contact for the best conservative method of treatment - they play a valuable role in the treatment of De Quervain's tenosynovitis. They can work with you to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, and improve the range of motion and strength in your wrist and thumb.
Here are some ways physiotherapists can help in the treatment of De Quervain's tenosynovitis:
Manual therapy: Your physiotherapist may use manual therapy techniques such as massage, MFR, Graston/IASTM, stretching, and joint mobilization to improve circulation, reduce pain, and promote healing.
Exercise therapy: Specific exercises can help to strengthen the muscles and improve the flexibility of the foot and ankle, which can help to reduce pain and prevent further injury.
Splinting: In some cases, a splint or brace may be used to immobilize the wrist and thumb and reduce the strain on the affected tendons.
A physiotherapist is the first line of defense in the treatment of all wrist pain conditions as they can develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals, and help you to manage your symptoms and recover from De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
Physiotherapy at Alleviate Physiotherapy is a multidisciplinary approach that includes education, manual therapy, modalities, and exercises to help all our clients reach their mobility goals and lead a pain free life.
Read more about hand and wrist pain. Come find the perfect care with our Top Rated Therapists that are trained to help you recover faster. Check out our locations for timings and appointments.
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