Wrist
- Common Conditions
- Wrist
- De Quervain's Syndrome
What Is De Quervain's Syndrome?
De Quervain’s syndrome, also known as De Quervain’s tendonitis, is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. This condition involves inflammation of the sheath that surrounds the two tendons responsible for moving the thumb (abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis). The inflammation leads to swelling and thickening of the tendon sheath, causing pain and restricted movement. It can be caused by repetitive activities such as texting or typing, direct injury to the wrist or tendon area, inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy/hormonal changes can contribute to the development of the syndrome.
What Are the Symptoms?
Pain near the base of the thumb, which may extend into the lower arm. The pain typically worsens with thumb and wrist movement, especially gripping or pinching. You may also experience a sensation of “sticking” or “catching” when moving the thumb, swelling and weakness.
What May My Rehabilitation Consist Of?
- Sports Massage Therapy – Using a range of techniques to decrease swelling, increase blood flow, reduce muscle spasm and promote healing.
- Mobilisations – A manual technique used by your therapist to move the joint and soft tissues gently to restore normal range, open joint spaces and relieve pain.
- Exercise Rehab Programmes – An aftercare plan will be tailored specifically to you and your injury to help stretch, strengthen muscles and develop co-ordination and balance to aid recovery.
- Electrotherapy – Using high-frequency electrical currents to reduce pain and promote healing in deep tissues.
- Deep transverse frictions – This is an aggressive massage technique applied across the tissue fibres, it is initially painful but will eventually cause a lasting numbing effect.
- Taping/Strapping – This may be used to restrict normal movement to allow the injury to heal without further damage. Kinesiology tape may be used to help support the joint without restricting movement, increase blood flow and restore proprioception awareness.
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