DeQuervain's Tendonitis Treatment
Restore Comfort and Mobility with Personalized Care
At Next Journey Orthopaedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating De Quervain's Tendonitis, a condition that can significantly impact your daily activities. Our expert team is dedicated to providing personalized care to alleviate your pain and restore function.
Understanding De Quervain's Tendonitis
De Quervain's Tendonitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, leading to pain and swelling. This inflammation can make it challenging to perform movements involving the thumb and wrist, such as gripping or pinching.
Symptoms of De Quervain Tendonitis
Pain near the base of the thumb
Swelling on the thumb side of the wrist
Difficulty moving the thumb and wrist during activities involving grasping or pinching
A "sticking" or "stop-and-go" sensation in the thumb when moving it
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing De Quervain's Tendonitis:
Age: Individuals between 30 and 50 years old are at higher risk.
Sex: The condition is more common in women.
Repetitive Hand or Wrist Movements: Engaging in activities that involve repetitive hand or wrist motions can contribute to the development of this condition.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy may be associated with the condition.
How We Diagnose De Quervain's Tendonitis
Our specialists conduct a thorough physical examination, focusing on the wrist and thumb. A common diagnostic test involves the patient bending the thumb across the palm and bending the fingers down over the thumb, followed by ulnar deviation of the wrist. Pain during this movement can indicate De Quervain's Tendonitis.
Comprehensive Treatment Options for De Quervain Tendonitis
At Next Journey Orthopaedics, we offer a range of treatment options tailored to your specific needs:
Non-Surgical Treatments:
Splinting: Immobilizing the thumb and wrist to allow the tendons to rest.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling.
Corticosteroid Injections: To decrease inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
Surgical Intervention:
A minor surgical procedure may be performed to release the tendon sheath, relieving pressure and allowing free tendon movement.
Why Choose Next Journey Orthopaedics?
- Expertise: Our team comprises highly skilled orthopaedic surgeons with extensive experience in treating hand and wrist conditions.
Personalized Care: We develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Comprehensive Services: From diagnosis to rehabilitation, we provide a full spectrum of care to ensure optimal recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What causes De Quervain's Tendonitis?
The exact cause is not always clear, but it is often associated with overuse or repetitive movements of the wrist and thumb. Other contributing factors may include direct injury to the wrist or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
2. How is De Quervain's Tendonitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and specific tests to assess pain and movement in the thumb and wrist. Imaging tests are usually not necessary unless another condition is suspected.
3. What can I expect during recovery from surgery?
Recovery from surgery generally involves a period of immobilization followed by physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility. Most patients experience significant relief from symptoms after the procedure.
4. Can De Quervain's Tendonitis recur after treatment?
While treatment is often effective, symptoms can recur, especially if the repetitive activities that contributed to the condition are resumed. It's important to follow your doctor's recommendations to minimize the risk of recurrence.