DeQuervain’s syndrome, also known as DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis, is a medical condition that affects the tendons in the wrist and thumb. It causes pain, swelling and difficulty in moving the thumb and wrist. While physiotherapy and chiropractic care help alleviate the symptoms of DeQuervain’s syndrome, diet modification with the aid of a dietitian or naturopathic doctor can also work wonders in managing the condition. This article will discuss the foods to avoid with DeQuervain’s syndrome and the types of food that are safe to include in your diet.
High-Sugar Foods: Foods that are high in sugar content tend to increase inflammation and can lead to worsening of DeQuervain’s syndrome symptoms. Thus, it is best to avoid sugary drinks, desserts like candies, cakes, doughnuts, and foods with added sugars like chocolates, jams, and jellies.
High-Sodium Foods: Similar to high-sugar foods, high-sodium foods can also increase inflammation and may aggravate the symptoms of DeQuervain’s syndrome. Therefore, it is best to avoid processed foods, salty snacks, canned foods, and salty condiments like soy sauce, ketchup, and mustard.
Nightshade vegetables: Some vegetables known as nightshade vegetables contain alkaloids, which may worsen inflammation and cause an increase in pain. Vegetables that contain alkaloids include tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant and paprika. Avoiding these foods could help you alleviate the symptoms of DeQuervain’s syndrome.
Gluten: Gluten is known to increase inflammation and provoke an immune reaction. People with celiac disease should avoid gluten at all times, and those with DeQuervain’s syndrome may also benefit from avoiding gluten. Foods that contain gluten include bread, pasta, pizza, cakes and biscuits.
Fatty foods: Foods that are high in fat like red meat, cheese, butter and cream can cause inflammation and worsen the symptoms of DeQuervain’s syndrome. Hence, it is best to avoid or limit your intake of these foods, or choose leaner options like chicken breast, fish, and low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yoghurt.
In conclusion, modifying your diet plays a vital role in managing DeQuervain’s syndrome. Avoiding high-sugar, high-sodium, nightshade vegetable foods, gluten, and fatty foods can help minimize inflammation and decrease pain. Instead, include light and fresh food options like lean protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates from whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains. So, choosing a healthy and balanced diet with the help of a registered dietitian or ND, coupled with proper medication and physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you deal with DeQuervain’s Syndrome symptoms effectively.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Bhavin Mistry, BASc, MAN, RD or another Kitchener dietitian at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
