Quervain'southward tenosynovitis is an incredibly painful status affecting the tendons of the pollex and wrist. It is non surprising that patients inquire about a De Quervain's tenosynovitis injection. But should you have one?

What is De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

picture of wrist with inflamed de quervains tenosynovitis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful inflammation of the tendons on the side of your wrist and thumb. When the tendons rub against the sheath that keeps the tendons close to the os, it causes pain and swelling from the base of the thumb to the forearm. Pain tin can beginning all of a sudden from a directly blow or gradually from overuse. By and large, pain is usually worse with whatsoever movement of the thumb, especially when grabbing objects.

Often, there is pain and swelling on the side of the wrist toward the thumb. A special test called Finkelstein'south exam is usually positive. This is a test where the pollex is bent toward the palm and so the fingers are wrapped around the pollex. This movement stretches the tendon causing pain.

De Quervain'southward tenosynovitis vs Carpal tunnel syndrome: How to tell the difference?

Both conditions tin can cause hurting in the thumb. More often than not, carpal tunnel syndrome also causes hurting in the palm of the hand and the index and middle finger. Also, people with carpal tunnel syndrome depict numbness and pins and needles in the thumb. Unremarkably, hurting is worse at nighttime and improves by shaking the wrists.

de Quervain's tenosynovitis

Who typically suffers from De Quervain'southward tenosynovitis?

This condition usually occurs in those people who perform repetitive movements of the thumb and wrist such every bit tradespeople, chefs, and gardeners. Also, women are more than likely to suffer from this condition than men. Moreover, new mums are at run a risk from a combination of repeated carrying of the new borne and hormonal changes.

What treatments are bachelor?

Generally, the aim of treatment is to reduce inflammation in the tendons so y'all can move your thumb without hurting.

Ordinarily, you'll start with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen. A Thumb spica splint for 4-half dozen weeks tin can be useful to remainder the tendons. A referral to a hand therapist for stretching and strengthening exercises from your thumb, wrist, and forearm will help.

What about a De Quervain's tenosynovitis injection?

In cases that fail uncomplicated treatment, a cortisone injection is useful to reduce tendon sheath inflammation. Ultrasound is used to confirm the site of specific inflammation. A scan will also help direct the needle into the small tendon sheath containing the inflamed De Quervain tendons. Sometimes, the needle needs to be directed to more than i surface area in the tendon sheath. The use of a local anesthetic can reduce pain and brand the De Quervain's injection more comfortable. Also, using ultrasound reduces side effects including pare changes such as thinning and depigmentation, infection, and tendon damage.

Generally, nigh patients experience hurting relief later a few days. Hand therapy is also of import after De Quervain's injections to regain function.

You can have a repeat De Quervain'southward injection, only we would only recommend a maximum of iii injections for the same wrist.

ultrasound picture de quervains tenosynovitis injection

Are there other options too a De Quervain'south tenosynovitis injection?

Yes. In cases that fail unproblematic treatment and one to two De Quervain's injections, surgery to release the tendons is recommended.

Recently, some doctors are performing a hybrid release using a special needle with a small blade. This needle releases the tendon using ultrasound. This needle release does not involve sutures and has less reanimation than open surgery.

Final give-and-take from Sportdoctorlondon

Overall, De Quervain'southward tenosynovitis is a painful condition. You should always try simple treatments first such as a thumb spica splint and anti-inflammatory tablets and cream such as ibuprofen. In difficult cases, we recommend an ultrasound-guided injection of cortisone to reduce inflammation and pain followed by paw therapy. Surgery should simply exist used equally a last resort.

Other elbow and manus weather:

  • Common elbow, paw, and wrist conditions
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer's elbow
  • Distal biceps tendonitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Thumb arthritis
  • Trigger finger
  • Ganglion cyst of wrist
  • Finger, hand, and wrist arthritis
  • Crossfit wrist pain

Dr. Masci is a specialist sport doctor in London.

He specialises in musculus, tendon and joint injuries.