Am I Suffering from De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
Are you feeling pain and swelling around the areas of the thumb side of the wrist? Do you feel your thumb getting “stuck” while moving it? If these symptoms sound familiar, then you may be dealing with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
This condition can be painful and restrictive, which is why Dr. Bobby Bilitsis at Prestige Health and Wellness recommends patients seek treatment for De Quervain’s syndrome early on.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis feels like:
- Thumb pain
- Tenderness in the wrist
- Stiffness in the thumb
Let’s dive into De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, its causes, and the non-surgical treatment options in Manhattan.
What is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (also referred to as De Quervain’s syndrome or texting thumb) is characterized by inflammation of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist, aka the thumb tendons. One study found this condition to affect women more than men, with a prevalence of 1.3% in women compared to 0.5% in men. This same study also saw a higher prevalence of De Quervain’s syndrome in people who were in their forties and fifties.
Symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is an underestimated condition that people often brush off. However, it can worsen and require surgery if you allow symptoms like the ones mentioned below to continue.
- Pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist
- Pain that can worsen when moving or twisting the wrist
- Popping sensation in the wrist when moving the thumb
- Limited thumb and wrist movement
- Numbness in the thumb or index finger
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Causes and Risk Factors
Common causes or risk factors for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include:
- Pregnancy
- Repetitive hand or wrist motions
- Baby care (especially if you’re lifting a baby constantly using the thumbs as leverage)
- Underlying medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
- Age
- Gender (higher prevalence in women compared to men)
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatments in Manhattan
Curious about the non-surgical treatments for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis in Manhattan? Here are some options that our providers offer, and we can determine if they’re the right fit for you:
Physical Therapy in Manhattan
Physical therapy-based hand therapy can be key to managing the symptoms of De Quervain’s syndrome. Our physiotherapists will use specialized exercises to further strengthen and relieve the thumb and wrist from pain and help restore function.
Occupational Therapy
One of the challenges of De Quervain’s syndrome is effectively using your thumb, which we often use to complete various daily activities. Occupational therapy can be used to help patients improve their range of motion, decrease pain, and better functional strength. Our occupational therapists will work with you to create a customized program that’ll help you return to work and more.
Acupuncture for De Quervain’s Syndrome
One study found that after 2 weeks of acupuncture sessions, the pain intensity for many patients suffering from De Quervain’s syndrome decreased significantly. Acupuncture’s pain-relieving effects likely come from the needles being inserted into specific points on the body that restore the flow of Qui. Ask our acupuncturist how this may help you.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can be incredibly beneficial for patients suffering from De Quervain’s syndrome. Adjustments to the wrist joints and other soft tissue therapy techniques may help alleviate symptoms and provide some relief.
Massage Therapy Techniques for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
A skilled massage therapist can utilize massage to focus on the specific tendons near the thumb. For patients, this helps to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Address De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Symptoms in Manhattan
Don’t let De Quervain’s syndrome, AKA texting thumb, interfere with your work and personal life. There are solutions available to provide much-needed relief at Prestige Health and Wellness.
Book an appointment for De Quervain’s syndrome in New York City.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our locations in Manhattan NYC:
