De Quervain Tenosinoviti

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful condition of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Pain is felt when the wrist is turned or when grasping an object. Accurate diagnosis and follow-up are important for pain control, injection and surgical treatment options.

What causes De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?

Tendons are rope-like structures that connect muscle to bone. As the tendons that lift the thumb and pull it away from the other fingers pass through the wrist level, they start to have difficulty in sliding movement while they are in the sheath-shaped tunnel. It occurs due to edema in the tendon sheath or thickening in the tunnel. Keeping the hand and wrist in the wrong position while carrying the baby, especially in new mothers, and hormone changes in women in the same period can be effective in the formation of this disease. In addition, overuse, rheumatoid arthritis and injuries that repeat a hand movement every day can cause De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

What are the symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis?

Pain on the thumb side of the wrist is the most important symptom. The pain often increases when the thumb is palpated and the wrist is rotated in the opposite direction to the thumb. Mild swelling may also be seen in that area along with the pain.

How does the diagnosis and treatment process proceed?

During the physical examination, your doctor will ask you to hold your thumb in the palm of your hand and bend your wrist in both directions. If pain occurs on the thumb side of the wrist, a diagnosis of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is likely. If necessary, X-rays, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations are performed. In the treatment of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, the tendon is initially rested by splinting. In addition, medication is administered for pain control. It has been observed that applying ice to the painful area with swelling is effective. However, experts advise the patient to stay away from movements where they feel pain. Cortisone injection into the tunnel with or without ultrasound is among the treatment options for patients who cannot achieve pain control. As a result, patients whose complaints do not go away undergo tunneling surgery with underarm anesthesia. The surgeon examines the tunnel surrounding the tendon or tendons involved and opens it to release the pressure. This allows the tendons to slide freely. This is the kind of operation that does not require hospitalization.

Can measures be taken?

Precautions If you feel pain, be sure to see a doctor. Share with your doctor which movements cause pain. Be careful with activities in which you repeatedly move your wrists in the same way. Continue with the De Quervain’s tenosynovitis exercises recommended by your doctor or physical therapist and use your splint regularly, if recommended.