Wrist Pain
Wrist pain is something that us Physiotherapists come across often. One of the most common complaints regarding wrist pain is that located around the base of the thumb. A condition we term DeQuervains Tenosynovitis.
What is it?
DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition where the tendon sheaths on the side of the wrist (at the base of the thumb) become inflamed and painful. The tendon sheath thickens which causes compression of the tendon.
This common form of wrist pain usually includes the tendons of extensor pollis brevis and abductor pollicis longus, however a tenosynovitis can occur at any tendon.
Symptoms
The most common complaint is pain which gets worse with movement of the thumb and wrist eg: lifting, reaching
or gripping). The pain can be localised over the side of the thumb or can travel up to the forearm. Due inflammation of the tendons, swelling may or may not be present.
What causes it?
DeQuervains is commonly caused by repetitive movements and use of the wrist (eg: new parents constantly repeating the up/down movement of lifting a newborn). Direct trauma such as falling on your wrist can also result in this injury.
What can physio do to treat it?
– Manual therapy such as soft tissue release
– Education re inflammation and pain management, and activity modification
– Exercise prescription
– Splinting
If you are suffering from wrist pain from long periods of working from home why not get in contact with us.
Physiotherapist