Occasional hand and wrist pain is a normal part of life, and it can arise from many different scenarios. Even something as simple as sleeping with your hand tucked under your pillow or carrying a heavy package can cause aching, tingling, or burning discomfort.
But when wrist pain on the thumb-side of your hand lingers or is difficult to ignore, it’s time to turn to the team at Carl N. Williams, Jr. M.D. Hand and Plastic Surgery for a diagnostic evaluation. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis might be to blame.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis arises when the tendon that facilitates thumb movement — it runs along the outer edge of your thumb down to your wrist — becomes inflamed. A tendon is tough connective tissue that binds muscle tissue to bone. Tendons help keep your skeleton in place, enabling joint movement.
While tendons are incredibly durable and strong, this type of tissue can become damaged or swollen. Tendons are covered in a thin layer of sheathing, and this tissue is also subject to inflammation. In the case of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, either the tendon itself or the tendon sheath is inflamed, causing pain and other symptoms.
Overuse is a common cause of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Any activities that rely on repetitive grasping or gripping — like hammering, playing tennis, or even lifting your kids — can lead to inflammation. Health conditions like arthritis or traumatic injury can also play a role in de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
As mentioned above, occasional discomfort in your hands and wrists is usually nothing to be concerned about. However, if you experience pain that prevents you from completing normal daily tasks, or if your discomfort lingers for more than a few days, it may be time to take action.
Chronic wrist pain is the primary symptom of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Your discomfort can come on all at once or develop slowly over time. It can be sharp or more of a dull aching sensation, and it can be focused in one area or radiate to your hand or wrist. The pain often worsens when you’re using your hand to pinch or grasp items.
Additional signs of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis include:
People who perform manual labor and those who work in child care experience de Quervain’s tenosynovitis more frequently than others, and women also have an elevated risk. The condition is commonly found among athletes and parents of small children.
Often, all that’s needed to treat de Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a period of rest to allow the affected tissue to heal. You may accomplish this by wearing a special brace or splint that immobilizes your wrist and thumb for a period of time.
Icing your wrist can help minimize pain, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication is also helpful in reducing discomfort. Dr. Williams might recommend certain exercises and stretches to help you build strength and flexibility in your wrist, which you can easily do at home.
In rare cases, the best way to treat de Quervain’s tenosynovitis is with hand surgery. The procedure often involves making small incisions in the tendon sheath to give the tendon more room to move freely. If you require surgery, Dr. Williams explains what to expect and how to ease the recovery process.
Far too many people ignore hand and wrist pain until it becomes unbearable, only seeking treatment when they can no longer perform daily tasks with ease. Dr. Williams has helped many people move beyond de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, and there’s no reason to suffer with pain or delay your own path forward.
Reach out to Carl N. Williams, Jr. M.D. Hand and Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada, to schedule a diagnostic exam. You can set up a visit online or through a phone call.
