DeQuervain's tendinitis
DeQuervain's
tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the
wrist. This group of tendons attaches muscles of the forearm to
the bone at the base of the thumb.
The inflammation often
results from overuse of the involved area, but can also result from an
injury. Even everyday simple activities are sometimes enough.
Classic symptoms of DeQuervain's tendinitis:
• Pain on the thumb side of the wrist with movement of the wrist or hand
• Swelling, warmth, or tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist
Treatment
for DeQuervain's tendinitis may consist of rest from strenuous or
repetitive activity, use of a splint for the wrist and thumb, and
oral anti-inflammatory medicine. More persistent symptoms may
need to be treated with injection of cortisone into the tendon area.
If
symptoms persist in spite of conservative treatment, surgery is usually
successful in relieving this condition. The procedure is done
under local anesthesia as an outpatient. The tendon sheath is
released through a small incision over the wrist, and a splint is worn
for about 10 days after the surgery.