Treatment for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
In our previous blog, we discussed what De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is and what causes it. If you think you have it, you’ll be keen to learn what can be done about it! The good news is that there are several treatment options and the condition usually fully resolves. Read on to find out more about treatment for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
Treatment for De Quervain’s
There are several treatment options for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. The most appropriate treatment option for you will depend upon various factors such as level of severity, your occupation/functional requirements and preference. Treatment options include rest, splinting, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, steroid injections and surgery. We will cover each one in a bit more detail below.
Rest
Overuse is a common contributor to the onset of De Quervain’s in most people. It is therefore essential that the hand is rested. It’s particularly important that you discontinue or at least minimise any key aggravating activities. You can continue with any activities that don’t aggravate the pain. Resting the hand can sometimes be difficult, particularly if you need to use the hand for work, however if the hand does not get adequate rest, the pain is unlikely to improve and may well deteriorate further.
Physio tips: Try and use the opposite hand where possible. If you must use the affected hand, ask yourself ‘is this a task that absolutely needs doing?’. If so, is there a way you can do the task differently to cause less irritation? Can anyone else to do it for me?
Splinting for De Quervain’s
A splint to support the wrist and thumb can help to reduce on going irritation and overload of the affected thumb tendons. A ‘thumb spica’ is the most commonly recommended type for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can help by reducing both the pain and inflammation associated with the condition. These can be taken either orally (e.g. Ibuprofen) or applied to the skin as a gel/cream (e.g. Voltarol). Both options are available over the counter. You can read about over the counter pain medication here.
If these don’t help, one of our Independent Prescribers or your GP can provide a prescription for something stronger such Naproxen.
Steroid Injections
If the pain is severe, or someone is unable to use NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections can be very helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. This is also an effective, safe option for mother’s who are breastfeeding. You can read more about steroid injections here.
Surgery
If the pain is persistent and does not resolve with the interventions listed above, surgical decompression of the affected tendons may be an option for the treatment of De Quervain’s.
If you are struggling with wrist and thumb pain and would like an accurate diagnosis and clear treatment plan, book an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists. You can book online by following this link or call our friendly reception team on 0114 267 8181.
