De Quervain's Disease is the compression of the tendon sheath of one of the two tendons to the thumb at wrist region.
The tendon sheath is a protective cover for the tendon which provides protection for the tendon as it travels across the radius bone especially at the joints.
When the tendon gets caught in the narrowed sheath, the finger becomes locked in the narrowed tendon sheath resulting in pain and swelling
Women are affected more than men.
It is also known as the washer woman's sprain
Local causes are:
Trauma of the tendon sheath of the thumb from too much stress on their thumb from carrying their newborn child especially first time parents
Pressure on the tendon sheath from weight of the newborn's head on the wrist while feeding the baby
The onset is usually spontaneous with gradual increasing pains and tightness of the wrist tendons which causes the patient to seek treatment:
Swelling and pain of the thumb side of the wrist
Unable to open door, bottle caps or wring clothes
Tendon nodules are present in flexor tendon of the thumb at wrist level
Diagnosis is confirmed with CAT scan but may not be needed.
Treatment is by:
Rest and splinting of affected thumb and wrist
Wrist exercise usually good.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammation and pain
Corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation under the narrowed sheath
Surgery as last resort to release the tendon by cutting the top part of the narrowed inflamed sheath
TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 De Quervain's Disease
Chapter 2 More about De Quervain's Disease
Chapter 3 Treatment of De Quervain's Disease
Chapter 4 Ganglion
Chapter 5 Trigger Finger
Chapter 6 Dupuytren Contracture
Chapter 7 Other Finger Conditions
Epilogue