DeQuervain's treatment for tenosynovitis can be done with the use of anti-inflammatories in the form of tablets and ointments to pass the pain site, in addition to physical therapy, however, in some cases, surgery may be necessary.
The anti-inflammatory, like Cataflan, can be in tablet form or in the form of ointment or balm to pass in the affected wrist region, for the time determined by the doctor. Rest is also indicated to save the tendon and facilitate healing.
In the case of pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding the treatment should not be made with tablets, but in the form of ointment that should be applied directly to the pain site, in addition to stretching, but the most important is to avoid movements that cause pain in the wrist, such as holding the baby with your thumbs facing down.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for tendinitis in the wrist can be done with electrotherapy and thermotherapy devices that help to deflate and combat pain, as well as exercises that increase the mobility and strength of weakened muscles. Devices such as Tens, Ultrasound, Laser and Galvanic Current can be used to accelerate healing.
Stretching and strengthening exercises can be used from day one and are essential for recovery. It may be helpful to do the exercise of tightening a soft ball or modeling clay in 3 sets of 20 repetitions. In addition, the physiotherapist may also use mobilization techniques of the joints and tapes to immobilize the tendon.
Surgery
The main characteristic of this disease is the degeneration and thickening of the tendon sheath, located in the wrist and therefore, the surgery can be useful to release the tendon sheath, facilitating the movement of the tendons inside it.
The surgery should only be used as a last resort, even after months of physical therapy there is no improvement of symptoms and even after this procedure will be necessary to do physical therapy to regain strength, movement and decrease pain and swelling.
Here's a great massage technique in the following video:
DeQuervain's tenosynovitis is a type of tendinitis that affects the tendons of the thumb, causing severe wrist pain that worsens when performing hand movements. This is not a medical emergency but also requires treatment to avoid complication of the condition and avoid surgery.
Home Treatment for Tendonitis in the Wrist
A great home treatment for tendonitis on the wrist is to put an ice pack in the wrist for 20 minutes, daily, 2 times a day. But to protect the skin from burns, you should wrap the ice pack (or a packet of frozen vegetables) on a sheet of kitchen paper.
After this period, the region will be anesthetized and the following elongation will be easier:
Stretch the arm with the palm of the hand facing upwards and, with the help of the other hand, stretch the fingers back to keep the palm of the hand tightly, remembering to also hold the thumb. Hold the arm in this position for about 1 minute and rest for 30 seconds. Do this stretching 3 times in a row, morning and evening.
This simple exercise will increase the flexibility of muscles, tendon and improve oxygenation in affected structures, bringing relief of symptoms.
Symptoms of DeQuervain's Tendonitis
The symptoms of tendinitis in the wrist are:
- Pain located in the wrist in the region closest to the thumb;
- Pain in the wrist that worsens when performing rotational movements with your hand such as turning the door knob or keys;
- There may be weakness in the hands, as the difficulty in holding a glass and clicking may be heard when moving the handle.
The diagnosis can be made by the orthopedist or physiotherapist after observing the region and listening to the individual's medical history. The physiotherapist may perform a specific test to identify this type of tendonitis, and imaging tests such as x-ray and MRI are not strictly necessary but may be useful to check for tendon calcification and the severity of the injury. Learn how the treatment is done in case of tendinous calcification.
What causes
Tendonitis in the wrist can be caused by overuse of thumbs and arms with repetitive movements, such as writing a lot, holding the baby in the lap with the thumb down, painting, hammering, fishing, typing, knitting, sewing, making or play a musical instrument for many hours without resting. But it can also occur when there is a great deal of muscle involved, such as holding something very heavy, like a shopping bag with only one hand, for a long period of time.
