De Quervain's Syndrome, also know as Synovitis, is a tendinopathy of Extensor Pollicis Brevis and Abductor Pollicis Longus, muscles of the thumb that share a common lingament - the Retinaculum - with inflammation, that affects significantly the function of the hand. It appears usualy in pregnant women, and people doing intense work with their hands.
What are the Symptoms of De Quervain's Syndrome?
Patients with De Quervain's Syndrome usualy have the following symptoms:
- Pain moving the Thumb
- Pain when grabbing with the hand
- Thumb weakness
- Restricted range of motion of the Thumb
- Weakness when grabbing with the hand
- Swelling
In the advanced stage of the clinical condition, the patient faces significant functional impairments in everyday life.
Risk Factors of De Quervain's Syndrome
De Quervain's Syndrome most commonly appears in:
- Women
- Pregnancy
- Instense manual work
- Keyboard / mouse use
How can Physical Therapy Help with De Quervain's Syndrome ?
At the initial stage of the clinical condition it is priority to reduce the pain, that is achieved with a combination of therapies including specialized massage, TENS electrotherapy and Manual Therapy that will allow for passively increasing the range of motion of the Thumb. Hand joint mobilizations with Manual Therapy technics also helps reduce pain and increase motion. At the next stage, specialized exercises are introduced, to allow gradual movement with minimal pain. Later, full strengthening of the hand will cease all symptoms and prevent future recurring of the clinical condition. The interventions used are:
How is Diagnosis Done ?
Orthopedic Manual Therapist Mr Konstantinos Danalis will evaluate yout condition by taking your medical history, physically examination and special tests, that will confirm your condition or other condition that might affect your hand.
If you are experiencing symptoms of De Quervain's Syndrome Contact PhysioDanali today for expert consultation.
References
- Young SW, Young TW, MacDonald CW. Conservative management of De Quervain's tendinopathy with an orthopedic manual physical therapy approach emphasizing first CMC manipulation: a retrospective case series. Physiother Theory Pract. 2022 Apr;38(4):587-596. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2020.1771800. Epub 2020 Jun 1. PMID: 32478626. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2020.1771800. Epub 2020 Jun 1. PMID: 32478626.
- Cavaleri R, Schabrun SM, Te M, Chipchase LS. Hand therapy versus corticosteroid injections in the treatment of de Quervain's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hand Ther. 2016 Jan-Mar;29(1):3-11. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2015.10.004. Epub 2015 Nov 6. PMID: 26705671.