De Quervain's Syndrome - Medtick

De Quervain’s Syndrome

What is it?

A type of tenosynovitis (tendonitis)  of the sheath or tunnel that surrounds two tendons that control movement of thumb  that causes wrist pain and thumb swelling due to inflammation of tendons.

  • It is Painful condition that affects tendons from the wrist and run through a tunnel on the thumb side of the wrist making it difficult to grip objects and raising objects.

Diagnosis test

Please see your Medical Doctor If symptoms not improving after a week or one is  in a lot of pain

Cause

  • Unknown
  • Prone to Mothers of small babies seem particularly prone to it (hormonal changes after pregnancy or due to lifting the baby maybe)
  • Work activities
  • Gardening
  • Sports where gripping objects

Symptoms

  • Pain on the thumb side of the wrist?
  • Pain is aggravated especially by lifting the thumb, as in the hitchhiker position or when using scissors?
  • Tenderness if you press on the site of pain?
  • Swelling of the site of pain – compare it with same spot on the opposite wrist?
  • Clicking or snapping of the tendons occurs occasionally?

BSSH

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone an ambulance if have or develop:

  • Rupture
    • Sudden and/or severe pain
    • A popping or snapping sound during injury

General tips

  1. Rest – stop the exercise or activities that caused the injury until you feel better
  2. Ice – put an ice pack (you could use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a teatowel) on the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
  3. Compress – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it
  4. Elevate – if possible, keep the injured area raised on a pillow when sitting or lying down

To help prevent swelling during the first 2 to 3 days, try to avoid:

  • Heat, such as hot baths and heat packs
  • Alcohol
  • Massages

When you can move the injured area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it so the tendon doesn’t become stiff.

Do

  • Warm up before exercising and stretch afterwards
  • Wear suitable shoes for exercise
  • Take regular breaks from repetitive exercises

Don’t

  • Over-exercise tired muscles
  • Start a new sport without some training or practice
  • Stick to the same repetitive exercises

NHS.UK

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: De Quervain’s Syndrome in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

Diet, Exercise and Body Manipulations