What is De-Quervain’s Syndrome?
It is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
What are the causes of De-Quervain’s syndrome?
The cause isn’t known, however, it’s been attributed to result from the following:
- A direct blow to the thumb
- Gaming
- Hobbies like gardening or racket sports
- Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
- Overuse – activities such as golfing, playing the piano, fly fishing, carpentry, office workers, musicians, and carrying a child in the arms for prolonged periods can lead to chronic overuse injuries
- Repetitive workplace tasks like gripping, grasping, clenching, pinching or wringing
- Scar tissue from an injury
Can physiotherapy help people with De-Quervain’s syndrome?
Yes. The focus of physiotherapy is to relieve pain, reduce swelling and improve functional use of the thumb and hand.
Who can get De-Quervain’s syndrome?
Anyone can get this condition, but these can make you more likely to get it:
Age. Adults between 30 and 50 are most likely to get it.
Gender. Women are 8 to 10 times more likely to get it than men.
Motherhood. It often happens just after pregnancy. Lifting your little bundle of joy repeatedly might bring it on.
Motions. You can get the condition if you move your wrist repeatedly, whether it’s for fun or for work.
How do I know if I have De-Quervain’s syndrome?
You will experience the following:
Pain and swelling at the base of the thumb
Pain and swelling at the thumb side of the wrist
Pain along the back of your thumb over the tendons
Grasping objects with your thumb and hand may become increasingly painful
Not sure about your conditions?