DEQUERVAIN`S TENDONITIS - Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center

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KLEINERT KUTZ
Hand Care Center
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Lexington, KY:
DEQUERVAIN’S
TENDONITIS
For more information contact us at:
502-561-HAND (4263)
1-800-477-4263
www.kleinertkutz.com
© 2011 Christine M. Kleinert Institute
for Hand and Microsurgery, Inc.
230 Fountain Court, Suite 375
Lexington, KY 40509
New Albany, IN:
3605 Northgate Court
Suite 101 - Surgery Center
Suite 102 - Clinic
New Albany, IN 47150
KLEINERT KUTZ
Hand Care Center
WHAT IS
DEQUERVAIN’S TENDONITIS?
DeQuervain’s tendonitis is inflammation
of the tendons which travel on the thumb
side of the wrist. In general, the tendons of
the wrist and fingers, including the thumb,
run through isolated compartments at the
level of the wrist. They pass through specific
tunnels and in normal circumstances, the
tendons glide easily and smoothly when the
finger moves. If swelling and inflammation
are present, pain and tenderness can
develop at the site of the tunnel surrounding
the tendons.
This type of condition is related to
inflammation of the two tendons that pass
and reach the top of the thumb. Usually
this condition presents with pain and
tenderness at the thumb side of the wrist
while performing tight gripping or twisting
of the wrist.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND
SYMPTOMS OF DEQUERVAIN’S
TENDONITIS?
Pain is the main symptom of DeQuervain’s
tendonitis and can be associated with
specific movements or actions performed
with the hand.
diagnose the condition by stretching the
tendons that run to the thumb producing
pain. X-rays may also be needed to rule out
other conditions such as arthritis, fractures
(associated with trauma), etc.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR
DEQUERVAIN’S TENDONITIS?
Activities that require pinch and tight
gripping could elicit the pain. Opening a
door or jar, or turning the key to start a car
could produce the pain. In some cases when
the inflammation is severe, pain may be
present even with slight movements of the
thumb or wrist.
Swelling on the thumb side of the wrist can
be seen and cysts could be noticed as well.
Also, in some patients, a snapping or
clicking sensation is present due to the
inflammation and swelling around the
tendons. Some superficial nerves, which
provide sensation to the thumb skin, can
also be irritated by the tendon inflammation.
The goal of treatment is to decrease the
inflammation and relieve pain. Due to the
inflammatory condition, your physician may
recommend limiting thumb movement with
a splint and anti-inflammatory medication.
Other treatment options include an
injection with local anesthetic and a steroid
at the site of the tendon, and diminishing
the activities that produce the pain.
When conservative options do not
improve the condition, surgery may be
recommended. This consists of opening the
compartment producing more room for
the tendons. Normal use of the hand can
be initiated when the wound is completely
healed.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
The diagnosis of DeQuervain’s tendonitis is
mainly clinical. Tenderness and swelling at the
thumb side of the wrist are present.
Your physician may perform a stress test to
502-561-HAND (4263)
1-800-477-4263
www.kleinertkutz.com
KLEINERT KUTZ
Hand Care Center