What is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
A painful condition affecting the tendons of the thumb is known as De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
DTAP provides diagnosis, treatment and managing Joint Pain related problems.
Visit their Siglap Branch or call them at +65 6962 2144 / drop them an email at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg for an appointment with their doctor.
Its Anatomy & Causes
Tendons, long cord-like structures attach between the muscle to bone. There are two sets of tendons connecting the wrist to the thumb. The tendons pass through a tunnel known as tendon sheath, which helps to glide smoothly when the thumb straightens and bends.
Prolonged overuse of the wrist and thumb due to repetitive movements can lead to thickening, swelling and inflammation of the tendon and its sheath, resulting in increased friction between the structures. This can give rise to intense pain when moving the wrist, or when using the thumb to grasp or pinch.
Symptoms
- The main symptom is pain felt over the thumb side of the wrist, and can spread upwards to the forearm. The pain tends may develop slowly over time and with increased thumb movements involving grasping or pinching, or on wrist rotation.
- Swelling can be seen over the thumb side of the wrist. At times a fluid-filled cyst can also be seen
- Difficulty in moving the thumb and wrist
- A catching or snapping sensation in the thumb when one moves it
Risk Factors
Some of the risk factors for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis include:
- People whose occupations or hobbies involving long and continuous overuse of the wrist and having to repeatedly grasp or pinch with the thumb
- Common occurring between the ages of 30 to 50 typically
- Past injury to the wrist or base of the thumb resulting in a buildup of scar tissue
- It is found more common in women than in men
- Certain medical pre-conditions such as pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis
Diagnosis
Doctor could diagnose De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, after a detailed history and physical examination of the wrist and affected thumb. Typically, no investigations or X-rays are required.
Treatment
The type of treatment for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis varies with the severity:
- Avoidance of the causative activity
- Painkillers such as paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles and reduce irritation to the tendon, relieving the pain
- Wearing a splint to immobilize the wrist and thumb
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). This is a painless and non-invasive procedure which causes improvement in blood circulation and a tissue-repairing effect on the inflamed tendons
- Corticosteroid (H&L) injection. This is the injection into and around the tendon sheath, to reduce the inflammation. The effect may be temporary, usually last around 3 months, and sometimes may last a year or longer. More than one injection may be necessary.
- If all else fails, surgery should be considered. The process involves releasing the tendon to allow it to glide freely, and is usually performed under local anaesthesia.
Dr. Tan & Partners @Siglap
Joint Pain, Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Dr. Edwin Ong is currently practising in Men’s Health & Sexual Clinic @Siglap
Address:
914 East Coast Road
#01-04 The Domain,
Singapore 459108
Telephone:
+65 6962 2144
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Operating Hours:
Monday & Friday: 9.00 am – 8.00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Wednesday: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm
Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays
