Do you sometimes have difficulty performing daily activities due to pain in the thumb side of your hand, wrist area? Or do you feel a tingling or burning sensation when you touch, squeeze, or move your thumb? If you have these symptoms, you may have a condition called `(De Quervain's Tenosynovitis)`. So, don't worry. Let's talk about it in detail, what it is, why it occurs, and how to get rid of it.
What is `(De Quervain's Tenosynovitis)`?
Simply put, ``De Quervain's Tenosynovitis'' is an inflammation, which means pain and swelling, around the tendons in your big toe. It is sometimes called ``De Quervain's Tendinosis''. Doctors sometimes use both names for the same condition.
Think about it, our muscles are connected to our bones by strong, flexible, cord-like tissues called tendons . When we contract a muscle, it is this tendon that pulls on the corresponding bone and makes it move. Your thumb is connected to your wrist by two such tendons.
Normally, these tendons move around in a sheath , which is like a cavity or a tunnel, around them. Without any obstruction. However, in the case of ``De Quervain's Tenosynovitis``, for some reason, this sheath around the tendon in your thumb becomes swollen or thickened. What happens then? When you use your thumb and wrist, the tendon moves around inside that swollen sheath, causing extra friction . That's why some movements can be painful and feel stiff. This pain usually starts at the base of your thumb, near your wrist. Sometimes, this pain can even spread to your forearm.
How common is this situation?
In fact, `(De Quervain's Tenosynovitis)` is a common condition among tendon inflammations (`tenosynovitis`). Surveys show that even in a country like America, it affects about 1% of the population every year. So, if you have something like this, remember that you are not alone.
What are the symptoms of `(De Quervain's Tenosynovitis)`?
The main symptom of this condition is pain on the radial side of your wrist. For some people, this pain may come on suddenly, while for others, it may develop gradually over time. This pain is usually:
- It increases when you use your hand, wrist, and thumb.
- It can start at the wrist and spread to the thumb or the side of the forehead.
- The pain increases when you touch or squeeze something.
In addition to this main pain, several other symptoms may be observed:
- Swelling: You may notice swelling at the base of your wrist and thumb.
- A 'clicking' sound or sensation: When you shake your thumb, you may hear a 'clicking' sound coming from your wrist, or feel like something is jumping inside.
- Stiffness or loss of smoothness: The movements of the big toe may feel a little stiff or not move smoothly.
- Numbness: You may also feel like your wrist or thumb is going numb.
Why does this `(De Quervain's Tenosynovitis)` occur?
Simply put, this condition can be caused by irritation, pressure, or anything that puts undue stress on the tendons in your big toe. There are several main contributing factors:
- Overuse of the thumb or wrist: When you continue to perform the same movements.
- Activities or hobbies that involve repetitive gripping or squeezing: For example, this can happen with household chores, some jobs, or some hobbies.
- Other health conditions that cause inflammation: For example, people with inflammatory joint conditions such as arthritis are more likely to develop this.
- A direct blow to the thumb or wrist: as if from an accident.
This condition can be caused, in particular, by activities that involve holding an object tightly and repeating the same movements. Here are a few examples:
- Sports: Sports like tennis, racquetball, skiing.
- Tool use: When using a hammer or other hand tools.
- Lifting small children: This condition can occur, especially for new mothers, when you constantly lift your baby. Think about how much stress a mother puts on her thumb and wrist when bathing, feeding, or holding a baby.
- Gardening: When using a shovel, when planting plants.
Who is more likely to develop this condition?
Although anyone can develop ``De Quervain's Tenosynovitis'', certain groups are at a slightly higher risk of developing it:
- Women: This condition is more common in women than in men.
- People over 40 years old.
- Kindergarten teachers or those who take care of young children.
- Parents (especially mothers) with young children .
- Manual laborers or those who work with their hands regularly.
- Athletes.
How to diagnose `(De Quervain's Tenosynovitis)`?
If you have these symptoms, when you see a doctor, he will do a physical exam to determine if you have De Quervain's Tenosynovitis. He will examine your thumb and wrist. It is important to tell the doctor how long you have had this pain, what kind of work you do, and what makes the pain worse.
What is the `(Finkelstein test)`?
This is the ``Finkelstein test``, a special test that doctors use to confirm the condition ``De Quervain's Tenosynovitis``. It is a very simple test.
1. Take your thumb and bend it inward, then close it with your other fingers and knead the dough.
2. Then, keeping the handle as it was, bend your wrist down (towards the little finger), as if you were waving to someone.
When you do this, you are putting some pressure on the tendons in your big toe. If you have ``De Quervain's Tenosynovitis'', you will feel a sharp pain in the painful area when you do this ``Finkelstein test''.
Sometimes your doctor may order an X-ray to check for other problems with your wrist, such as osteoarthritis.
What are the treatments for `(De Quervain's Tenosynovitis)`?
The good news is that there are effective treatments for this condition. Your doctor will usually recommend treatments that help control your symptoms and give the tendons and the surrounding tissue time to heal. The most common treatments are:
- Wearing a splint or brace: This helps to immobilize your wrist and thumb, reducing the pressure on those tendons. It's like having your hand tied in a band.
- Ice your wrist: Applying ice can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Place an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth on the painful area for about 20 minutes several times a day.
- Rest: Reduce use of the painful arm as much as possible. In particular, you may need to completely stop playing sports or doing repetitive movements that caused the condition until it heals.
- NSAIDs: These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) . They are available over-the-counter. However, do not use them for more than 10 days without medical advice.
- Corticosteroid injections: These are powerful medications prescribed by a doctor to control inflammation. Sometimes, a doctor may give a corticosteroid injection into the painful tendon sheath.
Important: It is essential to follow all of these treatments as directed by your doctor.
Are there exercises that can be done for this? (`De Quervain's Tenosynovitis` exercises)
Your doctor or physical therapist can teach you some simple stretches and exercises to help increase the strength and flexibility of your wrist. One of the most commonly recommended exercises is squeezing a tennis ball:
- Take a tennis ball and squeeze it gently for a few minutes.
- Give your hands a rest for a few minutes.
- If you don't feel any pain, squeeze the ball a little harder.
Your doctor will tell you how long and how often you should do these exercises. Never exercise through pain. If you feel pain while doing any exercise, stop and tell your doctor.
Will surgery be necessary?
Most people do not need surgery for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis. A doctor will only recommend surgery if other treatments do not relieve symptoms.
This surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home the same day. The surgeon makes a very small cut in the swollen sheath around the tendon in your big toe. This allows the tendon to move more freely. If you need surgery, your surgeon will explain more about it to you, including how long it will take to heal.
How soon will I feel better after treatment?
Your doctor will tell you how long you need to treat De Quervain's Tenosynovitis. Most people will need to wear a splint or brace for several weeks .
Even if you feel a little better, don't start any physical activity until your doctor says, "Okay, let's get started." If you put pressure on your tendons again before they've healed properly, you're more likely to get injured again.
Can De Quervain's Tenosynovitis be prevented?
Yes, there are things we can do to prevent this condition from developing to some extent. The main thing is to avoid overusing the thumbs and wrists.
- If you play a sport, work, or do any other physical activity, learn the proper technique and wear protective equipment if necessary.
- When starting a new exercise or activity, start slowly rather than doing too much at once.
- If you're doing the same movements over and over, take breaks every now and then.
- If your wrist hurts, whether during or after a physical activity, don't ignore it and wonder, "What's that?" Don't continue doing it despite the pain.
- Give your body time to rest and recover after strenuous activity.
How long will it take to heal?
It can usually take a few weeks for your tendon to heal from De Quervain's Tenosynovitis. How long it takes depends on what caused your tenosynovitis and how severe your symptoms are.
Ask your doctor when you can resume your normal physical activities. Until your doctor gives you the okay, don't return to the sport, hobby, or activity that caused the condition.
What happens if left untreated?
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is a treatable, usually short-term condition. However, if left untreated, you are more likely to need surgery and may develop other complications.
If you continue to put pressure on the tendons in your thumb after you start to develop symptoms of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, the tendon sheath can rupture or the tendon can tear. This is rare, but if it does happen, some people who are not treated can permanently lose range of motion or function in their thumb and wrist . Therefore, if you have symptoms, be sure to seek medical advice.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor as soon as you feel pain or other symptoms of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis. Don't ignore symptoms, especially if they get worse during or after physical activity.
What questions should you ask the doctor?
When you go to see a doctor, it's a good idea to ask these questions:
- Do I have `(De Quervain's Tenosynovitis)`, or is there another cause for my wrist pain?
- How long will I have to wear a splint or brace?
- Will I need surgery for this?
- When can I return to my usual physical activities (e.g. sports, work)?
In summary (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so `(De Quervain's Tenosynovitis)` is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the sheath around the tendon in your big toe. This can make it painful and difficult to use your big toe and wrist.
But the best part is, it can often be cured with rest, simple home treatments, and wearing a splint or brace for a few weeks.
If you've started a new activity or hobby, or if your job puts extra strain on your hands, especially your thumbs and wrists, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you manage your symptoms and get back to your favorite activities quickly and safely. So, it's wise to seek medical advice early rather than let the pain fester.
` Thumb pain, wrist pain, Diquanes tenosynovitis, tendonitis, hand pain, hand and wrist disorders, treatment
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න