de Quervain's Tendonitis, de Quervains Tenosynovitis, Quervain's Stenosing Tenovaginitis (sometimes referred to as "new mom's syndrome")

de Quervain's Syndrome is an inflammatory condition that is commonly caused by cumulative injury, and is one of the most common diagnosed conditions treated by hand surgeons. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome also theorized to be caused by repeated and cumulative trauma, is one of the major causes of lost workdays at the present time. Regarding de Quervain's tenosynovitis, there is potential for symptoms in the arm other than those involving the tendon. This can result from the close proximity of the nerves, tendons, sheaths, and fascia of the forearm to the site of inflammation.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

de Quervain's tendonitis was initially common in new mothers who hyperextended their thumbs while holding the head of their babies. This syndrome is also fairly common in older individuals as well.

The primary symptom of de Quervains tendonitis is pain at the base of the thumb near the wrist. The pain can be sudden and sharp or increase on a gradual basis with use of the thumb or hand. de Quervains is almost always associated with tenderness and swelling of the styloid process of radius bone. Pain can radiate into the forearm and thumb.

de Quervains tenosynovitis is the thickening and inflammation of the sheath containing the tendons of the inner wrist and thumb area (extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons). de Quervain's Tendonitis results from inflammation or constriction of the tendons of the muscles of the thumb at the point where they pass into the wrist. In many cases both tenosynovitis and tendonitis occur, a condition known as tendinopathy.

Diagnosis of this condition is based on the location of pain, decreased hand function, and the presence of swelling in the hand.

Treatment

Surgery is not usually necessary, and is typically the option of last resort. A troublesome complication of surgery for de Quervains tenosynovitis is a painful neuroma of the radial nerve as well as increased presence of scar tissue due to the invasive nature of surgery. Controlled exercise several times daily is commonly recommended, especially to prevent frozen shoulder, after the acute inflammation is controlled. Injection within the tendon sheath of a corticosteroid is also sometimes very helpful. The application of Ultrasound may be very useful for decreasing inflammation, gently increasing flexibility, and speeding the healing rate of the tendon. However, there are occasions where ultrasound is not recommended, so ask your physician if it is right for you!

Ultrasound treatment is quickly becoming very popular for treating tendons, ligaments and muscles, as results have been very positive as long as the patient (1) keeps the area inactive throughout the healing process and (2) sticks to the treatment properly until healing has completed.

A Personal Ultrasound kit is great for tendonitis because the patient can treat themselves continuously without delay, as would happen if they went to a therapist for all their ultrasound treatments.

An Infrared Personal Therapy system is one of the most helpful tools for a de Quervain's Tendonities. Through the absorption of infrared thermal energy, tissues are safely and gently heated - increasing blood flow within the treated area. Your body's natural response to this increased temperature is to try to maintain a condition of homeostasis - a balanced environment or state of equilibrium throughout the body. To do this, your body responds with a rapid increase in blood flow to the area (this is known as vasodilation), increasing the supply of nutrients to injured cells and flushing out toxins (including lactic acid, commonly found in trigger points) to promote healing. Our Thermotex Wrist/Hand Pain Relief Device provides effective, non-invasive, non-addictive pain relief with no side effects.

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Ultrasound Therapy is also a helpful tool for pain prevention of tendonitis, and having a portable ultrasound device at home can be a powerful and convenient treatment tool. If you have symptoms or are recovering from a tendon injury, using ultrasound on a regular basis before your activity or throughout the day will help relax your tendons and muscles, diminish pain and inflammation, soften scar tissue and contribute greatly to the healing of your injury.

If you suffer from mild inflammation or pain after certain activities or movements use ultrasound therapy when you complete the activity and then rest and elevate your head. Limit the application of ultrasound to a couple of treatments per day (the manual will recommend treatment frequency depending upon the injury). In between ultrasound treatments, maximize your pain relief and injury recovery by using the Thermotex Personal Therapy System. Proven Performance, Proven Relief - only found at MendMeShop.com. If you have been given a treatment plan by your health professional, make sure you adhere to it to ensure pain free living. In general, people who are committed to their therapies and exercises will have the best medical outcomes.