DeQuervain’s Tendinitis Treatment in San Antonio
What is DeQuervain’s Tendinitis?
DeQuervain’s Tendinitis, also known as DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis, is a painful condition that affects the tendons along the thumb side of the wrist. It occurs when the tendons responsible for thumb movement become irritated or inflamed, leading to swelling, discomfort, and restricted mobility. This can make everyday tasks like gripping, lifting, and even typing challenging, significantly impacting your quality of life. If left untreated, this condition can worsen over time, making it crucial to seek professional care early.
Common causes of DeQuervain’s Tendinitis:
DeQuervain’s Tendinitis can develop from a variety of factors, most of which involve repetitive strain or inflammation in the tendons along the thumb side of the wrist. Common causes include:
Repetitive Hand and Wrist Movements: Frequent gripping, pinching, or twisting motions, such as those used in texting, typing, gardening, or using tools, can lead to tendon irritation.
Sports and Physical Activities: Sports like tennis, golf, or rowing, which involve repetitive wrist movements or intense thumb use, can strain the tendons.
Direct Injury or Trauma: A sudden impact or direct injury to the wrist can inflame the tendons, leading to pain and swelling.
Hormonal Changes and Fluid Retention: Pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester or postpartum, can increase fluid retention, putting extra pressure on the tendons.
Arthritis and Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of tendon inflammation and thickening.
Occupational Strain: Jobs that require constant hand and wrist movement, heavy lifting, or awkward wrist positions can significantly raise the risk.
Experiencing the pain and discomfort of DeQuervain’s Tendinitis? At The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, our specialized hand surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating this common yet often overlooked condition. With personalized care plans, we can help you find lasting relief and regain full use of your hand and wrist, so you can get back to doing what you love.
Common Symptoms of DeQuervain’s Tendinitis
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Pain Near the Base of the Thumb
Sharp pain on the thumb side of the wrist, which can radiate up the forearm. This pain often worsens with hand or thumb movement.
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Swelling and Tenderness
Noticeable swelling near the base of the thumb, which may be accompanied by a tender, warm sensation.
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Difficulty Moving the Thumb and Wrist
Stiffness and a reduced range of motion, making it challenging to grip, pinch, or twist objects.
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Numbness or Tingling in the Thumb and Wrist
Some patients may experience a tingling sensation, which can extend from the thumb into the wrist or forearm, especially after prolonged use.
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Pain During Specific Activities
Simple tasks like opening jars, typing, texting, or lifting children can trigger intense pain.
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Weakness in the Hand and Wrist
Reduced grip strength, making it difficult to lift or hold objects.
Specialized Treatment Options for DeQuervain’s Tendinitis
At The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, we provide both non-surgical and surgical treatments to ensure proper healing and restore hand function.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For most patients, non-invasive therapies can effectively reduce symptoms and promote healing:
Splinting and Immobilization: Wearing a thumb and wrist splint to limit movement and reduce tendon strain.
Hand Therapy: Customized exercises and stretching programs designed to restore strength, improve flexibility, and reduce tendon irritation.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid Injections: Directly injecting a powerful anti-inflammatory medication into the affected area for rapid pain relief and reduced swelling.
Surgical treatment:
For severe or persistent cases that do not respond to conservative methods, surgery may be necessary:
Decompression Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure to release the constricted tendon sheath, reducing pressure and allowing for smoother movement.
Tendon Release: The surgeon carefully opens the sheath surrounding the inflamed tendons, allowing them to glide freely and reducing pain.
Post-Surgical Hand Therapy: Once healed, patients may benefit from hand therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and full function.
Why Come to The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio for DeQuervain’s Tendinitis Treatment?
When you choose The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio for your DeQuervain’s Tendinitis treatment, you're entrusting your care to a team of experienced professionals. Our physicians have a combined 100+ years of expertise in treating hand and wrist injuries, and our hand surgery fellows bring additional specialized knowledge to the table. Our dedicated staff is committed to your well-being, providing personalized care, and ensuring a successful recovery. By choosing our center, you're investing in the highest quality care available for tendon and wrist conditions.
Meet Our Physicians
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David P. Green, M.D.
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Mark Bagg, M.D.
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David W. Person, M.D., F.A.C.S.
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Ramesh C. Srinivasan, M.D.
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Kunj Desai, M.D., F.A.C.S.
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Did you know we offer in-house therapy?
Hand therapy is a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.
