Best Practice Case Studies-Case 158 Asset 7 De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Pdf Summary

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is an overuse injury causing thickening and swelling of the tendons at the base of the thumb where they pass into the wrist and forearm. It is most common in women ages 30–50 and often affects athletes or active people who perform repetitive thumb and wrist motions, such as in tennis, golf, rowing, or weight lifting.<br /><br />Common symptoms include pain at the wrist or thumb that worsens with movement or gripping, swelling at the base of the thumb, reduced thumb and wrist motion, and sometimes a clicking, sticking, or locking sensation.<br /><br />A sports medicine evaluation focuses on examining thumb and wrist movement, tenderness, and swelling. X-rays are usually unnecessary unless another injury, such as a fracture, is suspected. MRI is also rarely needed.<br /><br />Treatment is usually conservative. This includes resting from painful activities, wearing a thumb splint to limit movement, using ice, and taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. Physical or occupational therapy may help improve motion and strength, and corticosteroid injections can be used if needed. Surgery is reserved for severe cases that do not improve with non-surgical treatment.<br /><br />Prevention involves avoiding repetitive movements when possible and doing wrist and forearm strengthening exercises before participating in activities that stress the thumb and wrist. Return to play is recommended once symptoms are gone, full pain-free motion has returned, and swelling has resolved. Bracing during activity may sometimes be advised.

Meta Tag

Edition 4th Edition

Related Case 4th Edition, Case 158

Topic Wrist

Keywords

De Quervain's tenosynovitis

thumb pain

wrist pain

overuse injury

tendon swelling

repetitive motion

thumb splint

corticosteroid injection

physical therapy

sports medicine

4th Edition

4th Edition, Case 158

Wrist