Wrist Tendonitis: Treating de Quervains Syndrome in Houston

Painful wrists and thumbs can signal wrist tendonitis also known as de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis or de Quervain’s Syndrome and need to seek treatment in Houston, Texas. If you have painful tendons on the thumb side of the wrist or have trouble moving your thumb then you may be experiencing this condition.

If you think you may have this condition or symptoms, you can schedule your appointment with Dr. Jason Ashford, recognized as one of Houston’s best hand surgeons and hand specialists at (936) 494-2969.

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What is de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

In de Quervain’s syndrome, your pain is found near the base of the thumb and in the wrist due to swelling of the tendons. It may even travel up into your arm.

This swelling narrows the available space in the tendon’s housing called a tendon sheath resulting in inflammation and pain in the wrist or thumb.

Similar pain and symptoms can also be found in a condition known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome so its recommended that you seek the treatment of a board certified hand surgeon in Houston, Texas to provide expert diagnosis and care.

de Quervain’s TenosynovitisWhat Causes Wrist Tendonitis and de Quervains Syndrome?

Tendons are made of rope-like structures that work in conjunction with your muscles and help attach the muscle to the bone. This is one reason repetitive motions of the hand, wrist or thumb may lead to wrist tendonitis and de Quervain’s Syndrome.

Although doctors are not completely sure of all the causes, these are thought to contribute:

  • Changes in usage of the hand
  • Swelling due to injury
  • Hormonal changes
  • New mothers with infants

Signs of de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

You may notice a sharp or dull pain and swelling at the base of the thumb. This is due to enlarging of the tendons in the wrist making moving the thumb, grasping items or twisting more difficult. de Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition not limited to any specific age group or gender.

Diagnosis of de Quervain’s Tendonitis

At your consultation Dr. Ashford may ask you to perform the Finkelstein test. This test requires that you first make a fist with your fingers over your thumb. Once performed, the wrist will be moved in the direction of the little finger. If pain begins and increases, you may be diagnosed with de Quervain’s tendinitis.

Non-Surgical Treatment

  • de Quervains splint for restricting movement
  • Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibruprofen
  • Tylenol or acetaminophen
  • Corticosteriod or Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation

Surgical Options

If non-surgical treatments have not proven successful surgery may be recommended. In a de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis surgical procedure, Dr. Ashford will open the tunnel or sheath to make more room for your tendons. If you are a candidate, this may be performed with a minimally invasive procedure that allows you faster recovery and less downtime.