Wrist Tendinitis / De quervain’s Tendinitis
What is Wrist Tendinitis / De Quervain’s tendinosis?
- “Tendinosis” refers to the swelling of tendons, with De Quervain’s tendinosis occurring when the tendons around the thumb’s base become constricted or irritated. The tendons are covered by a soft tissue layer called synovium, which allows tendons to easily slide through fibrous tunnels called sheathes.
- “Tendons are covered by a slippery thin soft-tissue layer, called synovium. This layer allows the tendons to slide easily through a fibrous tunnel called a sheath.”
What causes Wrist Tendinitis?
- Wrist tendinitis does not have a specific cause but is frequently associated with overuse, pregnancy, and rheumatoid disease. It is most commonly seen in middle-aged women.
What are the symptoms of Wrist Tendinitis?
- The symptoms of Wrist Tendinitis tend to be noticeable pain or discomfort when making a fist, during grabbing motions, and when turning the wrist. Pain and tenderness felt along the thumb side of the wrist can travel up the forearm and patients may have difficulty with movement, as well as experiencing a catching sensation when moving their thumb. There may be swelling over the thumb side of the wrist or possibly with a fluid-filled cyst.
How is Wrist Tendinitis treated? / What is De Quervain’s Release?
- Nonsurgical options include splint immobilization, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen), avoiding irritative activities, and steroid injections. Surgical procedure typically opens the thumb comportant/tendon sheath in order to make more room for the irritated tendons.
