What is De Quervain’s Disease?
A Guide to Relieving Wrist Pain with Dr. Daniel Durand
If you experience persistent pain along your wrist and thumb, you may suffer from De Quervain’s disease, also known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. This common condition occurs when the tendons at the base of the thumb become inflamed, making simple tasks difficult. Dr. Daniel Durand is here to help, offering personalized solutions to relieve your pain and help you return to your daily activities.
What Causes De Quervain’s?
De Quervain’s disease is generally triggered by repetitive hand movements or thumb overuse. Many activities can cause it, such as lifting heavy objects, typing, or even texting. For new mothers who constantly lift their babies, De Quervain’s syndrome is all too common. Although it affects women more than men, anyone who performs repetitive thumb and wrist movements can be affected.
Spotting the Symptoms
The symptoms of De Quervain’s disease are often easy to spot. The most apparent sign is pain on the thumb side of your wrist, which can radiate up your forearm. This pain can become sharp and intense with movements such as gripping, twisting, or even picking up objects. You may notice swelling near the base of the thumb and a limited range of movement. Some people also experience a popping or cracking sensation when they move their thumb, which can be uncomfortable and frustrating.
Treatment Options for De Quervain’s
Dr. Durand offers various ways to treat De Quervain’s and help you feel better. Here are some common approaches:
- Rest and Splinting: Giving your wrist a break can make a big difference. Wearing a splint or brace to limit thumb movement allows the tendons to heal.
- Ice and Anti-Inflammatories: Applying ice packs and taking anti-inflammatory medication can reduce swelling and ease the pain.
- Physical Therapy: Simple wrist and thumb exercises can improve flexibility and build strength, helping to prevent future issues.
For more severe cases, Dr. Durand may suggest:
- Corticosteroid Injections: A quick injection can provide long-lasting relief from pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to open the tendon sheath, allowing smoother movement.
Find Relief and Get Back to Doing What You Love
Get treatment in a private hand surgery clinic by the US and Canada board-certified Hand Surgeon Dr. Daniel Durand!
We treat patients from the Toronto GTA area, Ottawa, Kingston, Oshawa, Cornwall, Montreal in Ontario and Quebec provinces and all over across Canada.
Rapid appointments, unhurried consultations and excellent care. Get back the quality of life you deserve, pain-free. Schedule a consultation, even if you are out of the province patient, we will call you back to assess your concerns!