Understanding De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis, often referred to as "gamer's thumb" or "mother's thumb," is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It can make simple tasks like gripping, lifting, or even texting challenging and uncomfortable. At Physio Room Pymble, we understand how disruptive this condition can be and are here to provide insight into its causes, symptoms, and management strategies.

What Is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's tenosynovitis occurs when the tendons that run along the thumb side of your wrist become inflamed or irritated. This inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the thumb and wrist. The condition is often linked to repetitive hand and wrist movements.

Common Causes

Several factors can contribute to De Quervain's tenosynovitis, including:

1. Repetitive Movements: Activities like typing, lifting, or playing certain sports can strain the tendons.

2. Overuse: Prolonged or excessive use of the wrist and thumb can lead to irritation.

3. Injury: Trauma or direct injury to the wrist can trigger inflammation.

4. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and fluid retention during pregnancy can increase the risk.

5. Arthritis: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to tendon inflammation.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of De Quervain's tenosynovitis include:

• Pain or tenderness near the base of the thumb.

• Swelling on the thumb side of the wrist.

• Difficulty gripping or pinching objects.

• A sticking or snapping sensation when moving the thumb.

If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek professional help to prevent further complications.

Diagnosis

A physiotherapist or healthcare provider can diagnose De Quervain’s tenosynovitis through a physical examination and by performing specific tests, such as the Finkelstein test. This involves bending your thumb and wrist to assess pain levels and tendon sensitivity.

Treatment Options

At Physio Room Pymble, we offer a range of treatments tailored to your needs:

1. Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate the condition is crucial.

2. Splinting: Using a thumb or wrist splint can immobilise the area and reduce strain on the tendons.

3. Physiotherapy: Our physiotherapists use techniques such as massage, stretching, and strengthening exercises to alleviate pain and restore function.

4. Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and swelling.

5. Medication: Anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended to manage pain and inflammation.

6. Steroid Injections: In severe cases, corticosteroid injections can provide relief by reducing inflammation.

7. Surgical Intervention: If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary to release the tendons.

   
   

Preventing De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to reduce your risk:

• Take regular breaks from repetitive activities.

• Use proper ergonomics at work and during leisure activities.

• Strengthen your wrist and thumb muscles with targeted exercises.

• Avoid excessive gripping or pinching motions.

  
  

Seek Help Early

If you’re experiencing symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, don’t delay seeking treatment. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and help you return to your daily activities pain-free. At Physio Room Pymble, we’re dedicated to providing effective, personalised care to support your recovery.

TB Dang

Senior Physiotherapist

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised guidance and treatment.