De Quervain Tenosynovitis

Mother’s Hand | Wrist Pain | Thumb Tendon Sheath Inflammation

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons in the wrist. It occurs when the two tendons that control the movement of the thumb become swollen, causing inflammation of the tendon sheath that surrounds them. This can put pressure on the nearby nerves, leading to pain and numbness.

Causes of De Quervain

Women
Age 40 or above
Jobs or hobbies involving repetitive wrist and hand movements
Wrist injury, with scarring that restricts tendon movement
Hormonal changes during pregnancy
Rheumatoid arthritis patients

Symptoms of De Quervain

Swelling at the base of the thumb
Numbness along the back of the thumb and index finger
A “catching” or “popping” sensation when moving the thumb
Creaking sound when the swollen tendon sheath moves

Physiotherapy for De Quervain

Treatment involves examining the thumb muscles, tendons, small bones in the wrist, and position of the radius bone, to loosen or realign any tightness or misalignment. Common physical therapy methods include:

TCM Treatment for De Quervain

According to TCM, mother’s hand can be classified as “tendon impediment” or “rheumatic joint pain”. Common TCM treatments include:

Internal medicine: Prescribing herbal decoctions to regulate blood circulation and dispel wind-damp.
Acupuncture:
Needling points like Quchi, Hegu, and Shousanli to unblock meridians and relieve pain.
Orthopedic Reduction: Using techniques like pushing, kneading, and rubbing to improve qi and blood flow in the wrist and thumb area.

FAQ

When do I need to wear a wrist brace?

Wrist braces are generally not recommended for long-term use, as they can further weaken the forearm muscles. Exceptions include:

When simple activities already cause severe pain
After a traumatic wrist injury
Before high-intensity activities or prolonged work
When specifically advised by a doctor

How to prevent De Quervain from worsening?

Therapists recommend:

Reduce repetitive motions: Minimize tasks that put pressure on the wrist and thumb base.
Rest: Take breaks and apply ice to relieve pain and swelling.
Wear braces: Use wrist supports or thumb splints to limit hand movement.
Improve posture: Adjust workstation setup to reduce wrist strain.
Strengthen muscles: Do simple hand exercises to build strength.
Apply heat and massage: Use gentle heat and massage to improve circulation.

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

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