“De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis” sounds like a mouthful but this is a relatively common condition that many have experienced before albeit unknowingly.
First some anatomy! Tendons are a tissue that connect a muscle to a bone. As a muscle contracts, the tendon pulls on a bone and a limb or joint can subsequently move. In order to ensure a smooth and as frictionless as possible motion of a tendon, the tendon is wrapped in a sheath. When this sheath gets irritated or inflamed, it is referred to as “tenosynovitis”. With tenosynovitis, the tendon sheath may become thickened and swollen which can affect the motion of the tendon within it.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis can occur with overuse of the thumb or wrist. The tendon sheaths covering the tendons running from muscles that move the thumb become irritated and inflamed. This can occur with repetitive activities involving overuse of cellphones, with sporting activity or even with household activities. Symptoms generally include pain at the thumb (including its base), swelling, difficulty with using the thumb and/or wrist or a “sticking” sensation with thumb activity.
The good news is that De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis can be treated non-surgically by conservative methods from Chiropractors and Physiotherapists! If you believe you may be suffering from De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, visit our website or contact our head office today to book your next appointment today!
Author: Dr. Paolo De Ciantis, B.Sc.(Hons.).M.Sc., D.C.