De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition resulting from inflammation of the tendons extending from the thumb to the wrist.  This pain is particularly evident when sufferers attempt to turn the wrist or use the thumb to grip something.  People with severe cases of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis may find it painful to perform simple tasks such as lifting a coffee cup or manipulating utensils.  Fortunately, there are a number of effective non-surgical and surgical treatments for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis available at the Sutherland Shire office locations of Southern Hand & Wrist. If you are suffering from the symptoms of the condition, Dr. Jai Sungaran will work with you to find the precise treatment that will produce the best possible results in your case.

For further information about De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, or to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Sungaran, please contact Southern Hand & Wrist, serving South-Eastern Sydney and other parts of New South Wales, today.

What is the cause of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?

The tendons that extend from your thumb through your wrist and down into the bones of your forearm pass through a protective tunnel of tissues called a sheath.  Normally, the tendons glide through the sheath easily, aided by a lubricating membrane called the synovium.  When these tendons become swollen, or if the sheath or synovium become swollen, the friction between the tissues can cause considerable pain.

While this explains the general cause of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, the specific cause of the condition is unknown.  What is known is that:

• Woman are eight to ten times more likely to be affected by the condition than men.
• It often occurs just after pregnancy and therefore may be related to hormonal changes in the body.
• People with occupations that involve repetitive hand motions may be at higher risk for the condition.
• People between the ages of 30 and 50 are most susceptible to the condition; however, it can affect people of any age.

How is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis diagnosed?

Dr. Sungaran is generally able to diagnose De Quervain’s tenosynovitis through physical examination of the hand and analysis of the symptoms.  Pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the thumb and wrist are the most common symptoms associated with the condition.  Typically, Dr. Sungaran asks patients to perform the Finkelstein test, which requires them to place their thumb against the palm of their hand, press their fingers down against their thumb, and then bend their wrist in the direction of their pinkie finger.  Patients with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis will experience pain on the thumb side of their wrist when making this motion.

How is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis treated non-surgically?

It is often possible to treat De Quervain’s tenosynovitis non-surgically, simply by resting the affected wrist and thumb for four to six weeks while wearing a splint to hold the area still.  During this time, Dr. Sungaran may recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to help manage the pain.  Ice therapy may also be used to reduce inflammation.

If splint therapy and anti-inflammatory medications are not successful in relieving symptoms, then Dr. Sungaran may suggest corticosteroid injections directly into the tendon sheath.  This often helps to reduce the swelling and pain associated with the condition.

How is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis treated surgically?

If more conservative treatments prove ineffective, then Dr. Sungaran may recommend surgery to release the tendon sheath.  This will allow the tendons greater room to move, thereby removing friction and restoring ease of movement.  After a suitable healing period, patients undergo a physical therapy program with a trusted hand therapist in order to rebuild strength in their thumbs and wrists.

Learn More about the Treatment of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

To learn more about the treatment of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, please contact our Sutherland Shire practice, with locations in Caringbah and Sydney Olympic Park, today.  We would be happy to answer any questions you might have and assist you in scheduling an appointment.