De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Specialist in Illinois
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Discovering De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, also known as De Quervain’s syndrome, is a condition affecting the tendons on the wrist near the thumb. This painful condition is a result of inflammation in the tendons that control the movement of your thumb. It’s crucial to gain insights into the causes, prevention strategies, and effective treatments for this condition. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis typically arises from overuse or injury, causing inflammation in the tendons along the side of the wrist below the thumb.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Individuals with De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis may experience:
- Pain and swelling near the base of the thumb
- Radiating pain from the wrist up the forearm
- Aggravated pain with thumb and wrist movement
- Weakened grip
- Loss of motion in the thumb and wrist, or a “catching” feeling
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, our expert physicians at Suburban Orthopaedics will conduct a thorough examination, including the “Finkelstein Test,” assessing range of motion and pain by having you bend your thumb across your palm. Unlike other conditions, diagnostic imaging such as X-rays is typically not required for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
If you suspect or are diagnosed with De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, our comprehensive treatment may include:
- Rest and Immobilization: Provide relief by resting and immobilizing the symptomatic wrist and thumb with a splint or brace.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended, with prescription options available if needed.
- Lifestyle Changes: Modify your workspace to ensure ergonomic setups for keyboards, mice, and other electronics, preventing re-injury.
- Physical Therapy: Strengthen inflamed tendons, reduce pain, and improve mobility through personalized physical therapy.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Improve symptoms and range of motion with targeted corticosteroid injections.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered to release constricted tendons.
What Causes De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is primarily caused by overuse or repetitive motions of the wrist and thumb, such as gripping, twisting, or pinching during activities like using a computer mouse, playing video games, or performing manual tasks.
An overuse injury results from repetitive stress on a specific body part, often caused by frequent, intense activity without adequate rest. Common in athletes or individuals engaging in repetitive motions, it leads to tissue damage, inflammation, and pain. Proper rest, modification of activities, and medical attention are essential for recovery.
What is the Outcome of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
The majority of patients recover with lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Non-surgical interventions, such as physical therapy and using splints or braces, are effective for 50 to 80% of patients. For the remaining cases, surgical intervention has shown positive outcomes.
Trust Suburban Orthopaedics for expert care and personalized solutions for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis in Bartlet, Elgin, Schaumburg, and Downtown Chicago. Your journey to relief starts here!
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