DeQuervain’s syndrome, also known as DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis, is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It is caused by inflammation of the tendons that control the movement of your thumb. The pain can be severe and debilitating, making it difficult for you to perform simple daily tasks such as opening a jar or holding onto objects. This blog will help you recognize the signs and symptoms of DeQuervain’s syndrome, so you can understand what happens when you have DeQuervain’s syndrome and so you can seek treatment from a physiotherapist or chiropractor.
The first sign of DeQuervain’s syndrome is pain on the thumb side of your wrist. The pain may start gradually and then become more severe over time. You may feel pain when you make a fist or grip an object, especially with your thumb. The pain may also radiate up your forearm and into your thumb.
Another symptom of DeQuervain’s syndrome is swelling in the affected area. You may notice swelling at the base of your thumb or on the back of your hand. In some cases, there may be a visible bump over the inflamed tendon.
If you have DeQuervain’s syndrome, you may also experience weakness in your grip strength. This can make it difficult for you to hold onto objects or perform daily activities that require gripping and squeezing.
In some cases, there may be a clicking or snapping sound when you move your thumb. This is due to inflammation in the tendons that control movement of the thumb.
If left untreated, DeQuervain’s syndrome can lead to chronic pain and disability. Seeking treatment from a physiotherapist or chiropractor can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage to the affected area.
Physiotherapy treatment for DeQuervain’s syndrome includes exercises to strengthen the affected tendons and improve range of motion. The physiotherapist may also use manual therapy techniques to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Chiropractic treatment for DeQuervain’s syndrome involves spinal adjustments to help realign the spine and reduce pressure on the affected nerves. The chiropractor may also use soft tissue therapy to alleviate pain and inflammation in the wrist area.
DeQuervain’s syndrome can be a painful and debilitating condition, but it is treatable with the help of a physiotherapist or chiropractor. If you are experiencing pain on the thumb side of your wrist, swelling, weakness in grip strength, or clicking or snapping sounds when moving your thumb, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent further damage to the affected area and improve your overall quality of life.
