About a month ago I developed a painful thumb/wrist inflamation. Two weeks ago I was referred to a specialist who deals with wrist tendonitis. This afternoon, I am going in for a shot to hopefully correct it. All and all, it's not all that exciting, except that Gina and I have gotten a good chuckle out of my "womanly" disease. As you read farther down, you will understand...
Definition: DeQuervain's tenosynovitis is a condition that causes pain associated with movement of the thumb. The cause of the pain of DeQuervain's is inflammation within a confined area around the base of the thumb and wrist. This inflammation is called 'stenosing tenosynovitis.' This simply means that the inflammation involves the synovium and tendons that control the movement of the thumb.
Who is susceptible to DeQuervain's tenosynovitis? DeQuervain's tenosynovitis is most common in the 30-50 year old age group, and is seen more commonly in women. DeQuervain's tenosynovitis is due to excessive use of the wrist. It is commonly seen in new mothers as the motion of picking up the baby can cause irritation to these wrist tendons.
How is the diagnosis of DeQuervain's tenosynovitis made? The examination of DeQuervain's is usually quite typical with tenderness over the involved tendons. One specific maneuver called 'Finkelstein's test' is quite specific for this condition. Finkelstein's test is performed by making a fist and moving the wrist towards the small finger. Patients with DeQuervain's tenosynovitis will have pain with this maneuver.
What is the treatment of DeQuervain's tenosynovitis? Most patients with DeQuervain's tenosynvitis will find improvement with splinting and a cortisone injection. If the problem persists, a surgical procedure to release the tight tissues around the tendon can be performed.
*Information taken from about.com*
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Shannon said...
Man, I've suffered with this on and off for ten years. Started from folding the denim wall at the Gap. Sucks.
26 said...
I'd say you should get it checked out. The cortizone shot didn't make it go away, but helped quite a bit (maybe ~80% improvement).
26 said...
The 80% has now become 90+%. Yeah for steroids!!!
Soopa said...
Steroids? I'm not guarding "Bonds" in hoops next summer, you can better believe it!