What is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a wrist condition that can occur after having a baby caused by hormones and the repetitive wrist movements required to raise a newborn. This causes a thickening and swelling of the protective sheath around the thumb tendons as they cross the thumb side of the wrist joint which results in pain.
De Quervain’s is very common during the postnatal period.
What are the signs of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
- Pain in the thumb side of the wrist
- Clicking in the wrist
- Swelling
- Pain with gripping
- Pain with repetitive movements such as holding or feeding the baby
What can I do to resolve wrist pain?
Take action early when you start experiencing wrist pain – come in and see a physiotherapist so they can test you for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. Don’t wait for the pain to get worse, the pain will resolve a lot more quickly if treatment is started early. Stop doing the actions that make your wrist painful
Do I need a test or scan to diagnose De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
No, the screening tests completed by physiotherapists are enough to diagnose this condition
What can physiotherapy do for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
- A full assessment of related muscles and strength
- Hands-on treatment including massage, nerve gliding, trigger point release, dry needling
- Fitting of a brace if required
- Discussing load modification and advice for daily activities (including liaising with other health professionals if required)
- Exercise management – making sure you are using all your muscles in your upper limb and not just relying on your wrist strength
If you have a newborn and are suffering from wrist pain, then book in to see a Physiotherapist and be screened for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
Please call 6389 2947 for more information or to book an appointment, or click here to make an appointment online.
