DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment

What is DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis?

DeQuervain’s is a specific tendon issue that arises at the thumb side of the wrist. It is a common condition that impacts wrist and thumb movement by pain with activity and movement. Tenosynovitis refers to the tendon sheath experiencing inflammation. That said, in some cases, inflammation is not present but the symptoms still are.

This condition can come on at any time in life. But, it is more common to occur in pregnancy, after increased workload (such as moving house and carrying boxes), relating to your work or occupation or being associated with your hobbies.

DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis Symptoms

Common things that point to DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis are the following symptoms

• Pain in the thumb side of the wrist that is worse with thumb movement or wrist movement.
• Increased pain after activity, or during specific activities such as lifting a box or lifting a baby
• Difficulty holding objects, particularly with a pinch, leading to dropped things.

How will your hand therapist know if you have DeQuervain’s?

At Corio Bay Hand Therapy, your experienced hand therapist will spend time learning about your symptoms. Then they will perform a thorough examination of your hands this involves the following:

• Looking at your hands for any changes in swelling or colour
• Assessing your wrist and thumb movement
• Assessing your grip and pinch strength
• Performing special tests that replicate your symptoms that are specific to DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis

Could it be something else?

Other conditions that can mimic DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis include:

• Thumb Arthritis
• Intersection Syndrome
• Other wrist tendinopathy
• Radial Nerve Entrapment

Corio Bay Hand Therapists are experienced with years of training in determining the cause of your symptoms. There may be the need for additional tests to investigate and this may include medical imaging.