What is DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis?
It all begins with an idea.
Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the synovial sheath that surrounds a tendon. It is caused by overuse or injury of the underlying tendons. DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis (also known as Mommy’s thumb) is a tenosynovitis of the sheath surrounding the tendons at the base of the thumb.
An individual with DeQuervain’s will experience pain at the base of thumb, as well as tenderness and possible signs of swelling at the wrist. Pain is exacerbated by bending the wrist towards the little finger or moving the thumb towards the little finger. The Finklestein’s test uses the combination of these movements in the diagnosis of this condition.
The main goal of treatment during the acute stage is to reduce inflammation by avoiding the aggravating activity, resting the hand (splinting), applying ice and taking anti-inflammatory medication. Splinting consists of a thumb spica splint, fabricated by a hand therapist, immobilizing the thumb in a functional position.
Once the inflammation and pain settle, stretches, massage and other modalities are used to prevent shortening of the muscles. Later on in treatment, strength training is important to restore full muscle use and prevent future injury.