de Quervain's Tenosynovitis
DescriptionDe Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the first dorsal compartment, involving the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons. Tenosynovitis refers to inflammation of the tendon sheath. It is caused from overuse of the wrist and hand. De Quervain’s is at times referred to as “baby wrist” or “mother’s thumb” because it often develops in new mothers, potentially due to the repetitive movements needed to care for infants.
Signs & Symptoms |
- Most common symptom: pain at the base of the thumb
- Pain can extend up into the forearm
- Swelling along the radial side of the wrist
- Simple tasks, such as lifting a cup or cutting food become very difficult
- Primarily affects females between the ages of 35-55
Diagnostic TestsFinkelstein’s Test- Used to detect stenosing tenosynovitis of the APL and EPB.
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PT Implications
Acute
Chronic
- Rest is extremely important, because continued use will further stimulate inflammation
- Ice
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
Chronic
- Patient education
- Stretching exercises to restore movement of the thumb and wrist