De Quervain Tenosynovitis Treatment

Introduction

De Quervain tenosynovitis, also known as "texting thumb", "gamers thumb", "mommy thumb" and "blackberry thumb" is caused by the constant overuse and activity of the radial aspect of the wrist. The tendons in the first dorsal compartment get thickened and entrapped due to the repeated muscular activity over that region, causing severe pain, particularly during thumb movements. Sportsmen, housewives, people with rough and tough jobs that require constant use of the hands are more prone to develop this condition over time.

Conservative approach :Rest :

In such a condition where the tendons are being subjected to a constant state of motion or activity, the first thought that comes to mind while thinking of a simple, non-invasive kind of treatment is of giving the wrist some rest. Resting the wrist will give partial relief, if not full, to the aching area, but is not the end of the problem.

Warm Compression :

The second most useful kind of "conventional" treatment that could be used is keeping warm compresses over the affected area, or wearing a brace to keep that area free from use and tightened to relieve some pressure from the affected area by providing heat to that region which significantly helps to reduce inflammation.

kinesiologic taping :

A comparatively new and non-invasive method that is being used for the treatment of De Quervain disease is the "kinesiologic taping" method [1]. In this technique, the patient’s hands and finger movements are restricted, but not completely immobilized. Putting tape over the affected region helps in providing support to the damaged tissue. This taping makes daily life tasks to be carried out by the patients in their normal manner, without causing any significant kind of disability for them.

Ultrasonic Therapy :

A recent experimental study [2] was carried out in India on a group of De Quervain disease patients to assess whether ultrasonic therapy repairs the damaged tissue in this case scenario or not, as it is said to repair soft tissue. It was concluded through the Visual Analog Scan that ultrasonic therapy indeed improves the grip strength after subjecting the patients to it.

Cumulative approach / Conclusion :

When seen from a broader, positive perspective, if these non-invasive and technically pain-free methods are employed for the treatment of De Quervain condition, then physiotherapists and orthopedic doctors can in no time replace the traditional, invasive surgical methods with these simple, outpatient techniques. They are not only complication-free methods but are also suitable to be applied without any possible contradictions, limitations, or safety barriers in between. They reduce the chances of permanent damage due to surgery, which has also led to permanent disability in some cases.

The De Quervain’s Wand, an ultrasound and infrared emission machine, combined with De Quervain’s Tape is an ideal example of this combination of treatments.

References :

1. 1.Kacmaz, Ismail & Koca, An?l & Basa, Can & Zhamilov, Vadym & Reisoglu, Ali. (2019). The Efficacy of Kinesiologic Taping in de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Case Series and Review of Literature. Bakirkoy Tip Dergisi / Medical Journal of Bakirkoy. 15. 227-231. 10.4274/BTDMJB.galenos.2019.20180815084330.

2. 2.Sharma R, Aggarwal AN, Bhatt S, Kumar S, Bhargava SK. The Outcome of low-level lasers versus ultrasonic therapy in de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Indian J Orthop. 2015;49(5):542?548. doi:10.4103/0019-5413.164050

Our vision is to provide our patients with exceptional non surgical treatment tools for Dupuytren’s contracture & De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis that can be used at home.