Let us start by doing a three-step test.
- Bend your thumb across your palm;
- Bend your fingers over your thumb;
- Bend your wrist toward the pinky finger.
This test is called the Finkelstein test. If you feel wrist pain on your thumb side during step 3, you most likely have de Quervain tenosynovitis.
What is de Quervain’s Syndrome?
De Quervain’s syndrome, also known as mommy’s thumb, affects the tendons that connect your thumb to the side of your wrist and causes inflammation in the tendon sheath, the protective covering around the wrist tendon.
Symptoms of de Quervain’s Syndrome
The most common sign of de Quervain’s syndrome is pain and tenderness in your wrist, especially below the base of your thumb. You may also have swells and restricted wrist and hand motion when trying to grip or pinch something. Also, moving the thumb and wrist generally makes the pain worse.
If the condition continues for too long without treatment, the pain may spread further into the thumb and forearm.
Causes of de Quervain’s Syndrome
De Quervain’s syndrome affects the two tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Overuse of the thumb and wrist, such as using the mouse or keyboard, may irritate the tendon sheath and causes the tendons to thicken and swell, making it difficult for the tendons to move within the small tunnel that connects them to the base of the thumb.
Other causes of de Quervain include rheumatoid arthritis, direct injury to the wrist or tendon, and fluid retention.
Treatments for de Quervain’s Syndrome
The goal of treating de Quervain is to reduce pain and inflammation, preserve movement in the thumb, and prevent recurrences. If you seek treatment early, the symptoms should improve within 4 to 6 weeks.
For mild pain, having a sufficient amount of rest is the key. Resting your thumb without added stress or movement can help the tendon recover naturally. Also, an ice pack on your wrist may reduce swelling and promote healing.
Pain relievers, such as NSAIDs, can effectively reduce pain and inflammation. Sometimes, the doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections into the tendon sheath to reduce swelling.
In the most severe cases, surgery is an option. The surgeon will open the sheath to release the pressure and make the tendons glide freely.
3 Simple Movements to Relax Your Wrist and Prevent de Quervain’s syndrome
Rest your arm on the edge of the table with your wrist and hand in the air, and hold a bottle of water.
1. Palm facing up, move your wrist to lift the bottle.
2. Palm facing down, move your wrist to lift the bottle.
3. Palm facing sideways, move your wrist down slowly and up quickly.
When doing these movements, make sure that you move your wrist while the arm stays stable on the table.
MicroGen for de Quervain’s syndrome
MicroGen is an advanced portable frequency healing device with a huge database. It can generate precise frequencies to help with all kinds of conditions. If you have de Quervain, you can search “Tenosynovitis” in the free software and find the following program. Run it at least once every day, and you will see significant relief after a week. The TENS pads should be placed on the two sides of your affected wrist.
De Quervain’s syndrome is often painful and debilitating, but you do not have to suffer from it. Use MicroGen to relieve the pain and inflammation and move your wrist and thumb freely.
