Understanding Wrist Tendonitis (Tenosynovitis) DeQuervain’s and How PhysioActive Can Help

What is Wrist Tendonitis (Tenosynovitis)?

Wrist tendonitis, also known as tenosynovitis, is a condition characterized by the irritation and inflammation of the tendons around the wrist joint. These tendons are crucial for hand and wrist movement, and when they become inflamed, it can lead to significant discomfort and functional limitations.

One common form of wrist tendonitis is DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis, which specifically affects the tendons at the base of the thumb. If you’re experiencing pain, tenderness, or swelling along the thumb side of your wrist, it could be due to this condition.

Symptoms of Wrist Tendonitis

• Pain over the affected area, often exacerbated by movement or pressure.
• Swelling of the surrounding soft tissues, which can make it difficult to move the wrist and hand.
• Tenderness when touching the affected area or when gripping objects.
• Difficulty moving the thumb and wrist due to pain and stiffness.

Common Misdiagnoses: The Role of the Superficial Radial Nerve

Wrist tendonitis is often incorrectly diagnosed when the true culprit is a problem with the superficial radial nerve. This nerve runs close to the surface of the skin near the wrist and thumb, and irritation or compression of this nerve can mimic the symptoms of tendonitis. At PhysioActive, we recognize the importance of accurate diagnosis to ensure you receive the most effective treatment. By assessing the function of the superficial radial nerve, we can determine whether your symptoms are truly due to tendonitis or if nerve irritation is the underlying issue.

Traditional Treatments

• Wrist splints or casts: These are commonly prescribed to immobilize the wrist and reduce movement, giving the tendons time to heal.
• Ice and anti-inflammatory medications: These help to reduce swelling and pain.
• Cortisone injections: Used to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected tendons.

While these treatments can be effective, they often address only the symptoms, not the root cause. In cases where these interventions fail, surgery may be recommended to release tight tendons and remove inflammatory tissue. However, surgery should be a last resort after conservative treatments have been fully explored.

How PhysioActive Can Help

At PhysioActive, we take a comprehensive approach to treating wrist tendonitis. We don’t just focus on the wrist; we assess the entire kinetic chain to identify any upstream issues, such as nerve or vascular compromise, that may be contributing to your symptoms. By addressing the root cause, whether it’s nerve-related or tendon-related, we can provide more effective and long-lasting relief.

Try this at home

To diagnose Dequervain’s tenosynovitis, you can perform the Finkelstein test. This involves holding your thumb in a fist and bending it towards your little finger, while simultaneously bending your wrist towards your little finger. Pain in the area at the base of your thumb indicates a positive result for Dequervain’s.

To avoid further strain on the tendons of the thumb and the superficial radial nerve, it’s recommended to avoid activities that put excessive stress on the wrist and thumb and to limit repetitive motions. Here are five corrective exercises to rehabilitate Dequervain’s tenosynovitis:

1. Thumb stretch: Hold your hand with your thumb facing down and gently pull your thumb away from your wrist.
2. Wrist extension exercises: Hold a light weight with your palm facing down and extend your wrist upwards.
3. Pinch and grip strengthening: Use a squeeze ball or hand gripper to strengthen the muscles in your thumb and hand.
4. Wrist and thumb flexion exercises: Hold a light weight with your palm facing up and flex your wrist and thumb downwards.
5. Massage: Gently massage the affected area to reduce pain and swelling.