- This condition is caused by the swelling of the thumb tendons that pass through a tunnel located on the thumb side of the wrist. When these tendons swell, they can no longer slide through the tunnel as easily, which results in increased friction and pain with certain movements.
- De Quervain’s Tendonitis is a condition that causes pain and oftentimes swelling at the base of the thumb and on the side of the wrist. The discomfort becomes even greater when the person forms a fist, grips something, or turns their wrist.
- The most common causes of De Quervain’s Tendonitis are: overuse of the thumb tendons, pregnancy, and rheumatoid disease.
- Conservative treatments such as resting the tendons, taking prescription medication, receiving occupational therapy, or applying topic creams can temporarily treat the symptoms but often fail to cure the condition.
- Surgical treatment to resolve De Quervain’s Tendonitis is recommended if symptoms are severe or do not improve. This procedure requires local or general anesthesia, takes an average of 10 minutes, and its main goal is to open the tunnel through which the tendon passes to make more room for the swollen tendon.
A hand specialist will be able to determine which course of treatment will be better for each individual case, and they will also be able to perform the necessary surgical treatment.
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