Have you ever had wrist pain on the base of your thumb, that is aggravated by certain wrist
Julie Cai
November 15, 2022
Have you ever had wrist pain on the base of your thumb, that is aggravated by certain wrist movements? This may be a case of De Quervain’ tenosynovitis, which is an irritation of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendons running through the wrist. This is a common presentation we see at our Marrickville allied health clinic, especially with mums and sportspeople.
The two APL and EPB tendons that run through the wrist are encased in a synovial sheath that holds them in place. These tendons are responsible for abducting and extending the thumb (moving the thumb out to the front and side).
Inflammation or swelling occurs when there is repetitive friction from the tendons inside the sheath. This typically occurs with mums lifting their child up with repetitive wrist movement, sportspeople, particularly those in racquet sports, bowlers, rowers, and canoeists. The left thumb of a right-handed golfer is also particularly at risk because of the hyperabduction required during a golf swing.
There is usually local tenderness and swelling observed along the tendons, especially near the base of the thumb. It may hurt to bend your wrist towards the side of your thumb. A diagnostic test used for De Quervain’s is the Finkelstein’s test, which involves tucking your thumb in and bending your wrist in an ulnar direction.
If pain is reproduced, it is likely that the APL and EPB tendons are irritated within their sheath. However it may also be diagnostic of flexor carpi radialis tendinopathy, so it is important to be thoroughly assessed.
Treatment for De Quervain’s is focused on reducing the irritation between the tendons and synovial sheath. This can include modalities such as trigger point therapy to reduce tension along the affected tendons, wrist splinting, taping and ice. Physio and Chiro may also assess deeper biomechanical issues or aggravating movements that may have contributed to this issue in the first place.
If you have any further questions about how we can help with De Quervain's tenosynovitis, head over to our Contact Us page, or book in now to make an appointment.
Are you on a fitness journey and looking to take your performance to the next level? Look no further than chiropractic care! Understanding the importance of regular chiropractic adjustments and debunking common misconceptions about this holistic approach to health is essential for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Pain management in podiatry has evolved with innovative techniques and effective strategies to address a wide range of foot and ancle conditions. From non-pharmacological methods to advanced physical therapy, podiatrists are embracing unique approaches to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility for their patients. Custom orthotics and shockwave therapy are just some of the effective pain management strategies that are gaining traction in podiatry, along with holistic approaches that integrate mind-body therapies and nutritional interventions.
Pain management is a critical component of healthcare, impacting not only the physical well-being of individuals but also their overall quality of life. Integrating holistic approaches to pain management, including chiropractic care, has become increasingly important in improving patient outcomes and addressing chronic pain conditions. With a focus on evidence-based practises and patient-centred care, chiropractic and podiatry clinics are at the forefront of offering innovative pain management techniques that cater to individual needs.
Email Us
info@hyperhealth.com.auOpening Hours
© 2023 Hyperhealth. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
