DeQuervain’s Syndrome is a condition that affects the tendons in the wrist causing pain and discomfort. This condition is common among athletes, manual laborers and individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive wrist movements. As a physiotherapist or chiropractor identifying the symptoms of DeQuervain’s Syndrome is crucial to providing effective treatment. This blog post will provide useful insights into the common symptoms of DeQuervain’s Syndrome, helping you to diagnose and treat the condition more effectively.
Wrist Pain: One of the primary symptoms of DeQuervain’s Syndrome is pain in the wrist. The pain is often located at the base of the thumb and tends to become more severe with activities that involve gripping, grasping, or twisting the wrist. The pain may also radiate up the forearm, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
Swelling: Swelling is another common symptom of DeQuervain’s Syndrome. The area around the base of the thumb may appear red and inflamed, and there may be a visible bump or nodule. The swelling may cause the thumb to feel stiff and make it difficult to move the wrist.
Difficulty Gripping: Individuals with DeQuervain’s Syndrome often experience difficulty gripping objects. This is due to the pain and inflammation in the wrist and thumb, which can make it challenging to maintain a strong grip. People with this condition may notice that they drop objects more frequently or have trouble holding onto things for an extended period.
Clicking Sensation: Another symptom of DeQuervain’s Syndrome is a clicking or snapping sensation in the wrist when moving the thumb. This may be accompanied by a feeling of discomfort or pain. The clicking is caused by the tendons in the wrist rubbing against a thickened tendon sheath, which is a hallmark of this condition.
Numbness or Tingling: Finally, individuals with DeQuervain’s Syndrome may experience numbness or tingling in the thumb or fingers. This is due to the pressure on the nerves in the wrist caused by the inflammation of the tendons. The numbness or tingling may be mild at first but can progress to a more severe sensation over time.
In conclusion, being able to identify the symptoms of DeQuervain’s Syndrome is crucial to providing effective treatment for this condition. As a physiotherapist or chiropractor, it is essential to ask the right questions during the initial consultation and perform a thorough examination of the wrist and thumb to make an accurate diagnosis. Treatment options may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), splinting, or physiotherapy exercises. With early intervention and proper treatment, individuals with DeQuervain’s Syndrome can recover and return to their daily activities pain-free.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
