Thumb Pain That Slows You Down : De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Introduction

• Thumb and wrist pain can silently affect daily tasks and sports performance. One common cause is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. At Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, we manage this condition with precision and advanced care. Our approach focuses on pain relief, tendon healing, and safe return to activity.

What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

• Wrist tendon inflammation is known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. The tendons of the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus are involved. These tendons pass through the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. Inflammation makes thumb movements more painful and increases friction.

Causes of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

• Tendon loading is increased by a number of reasons.
• Repetitive thumb and wrist motions are common reasons.
• Nowadays, the extended use of mobile phones is a significant factor.
• Frequent lifting of infants might also cause problems.
• Risk is increased by manual labor, weight training, and racquet sports.
• Tendon stress is exacerbated by poor wrist biomechanics.

Clinical Features and Symptoms

• Usually, symptoms appear gradually.
• The thumb side of the wrist starts to hurt.
• Gripping or pinching activities exacerbate pain.
• It is possible to see swelling close to the radial styloid.
• Weakness with lifting is a common complaint from patients.
• You can feel crepitus when you move your thumb.

Special Physiotherapy Tests

• Finkelstein’s Test
  • The patient clenches their thumb into a fist.
  • Gently shift the wrist into ulnar deviation.
  • Positivity is indicated by sharp pain across the radial wrist.

• Eichhoff’s Test
  • The patient bends the thumb into the palm.
  • The examiner deviates the wrist ulnarward.
  • Pain reproduction supports the diagnosis.

Physiotherapy Management at Elite Physiotherapy

• Physiotherapy is the gold-standard conservative treatment. We provide individualized, goal-oriented care. Our main goals are to reduce pain, heal tendons, and restore function.

Pain and Inflammation Control

• Thumb spica taping reduces tendon strain.
• Cryotherapy is used for acute pain control.

Advanced Electro-Physical Modalities

• Elite Physiotherapy integrates high-end technology for faster recovery.
• High Intensity Laser Therapy
• Shock Wave Therapy
• Super Inductive System (SIS)

Manual Therapy Techniques

• Soft tissue mobilization reduces tendon adhesions.
• Myofascial release improves local circulation.
• Joint mobilization restores wrist biomechanics.
• These techniques reduce mechanical stress on tendons.

Dry Needling and Cupping Therapy

• Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points.
• It reduces muscle overactivity around the wrist.
• Cupping improves blood flow and tissue nutrition.
• Both techniques support faster pain reduction.

Therapeutic Exercise Program

• Exercise forms the core of rehabilitation.
• Isometric thumb exercises begin early.
• Progressive resistance training follows gradually.
• Eccentric loading strengthens tendon fibers.
• Grip strengthening restores hand function.
• Proprioceptive drills improve movement control.

Why Choose Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre?

• We deliver evidence-based physiotherapy care.
• Each program is data-driven and customized.
• Faster recovery is possible by advanced modalities.
• Sports and work-related injuries are among our areas of expertise.
• We prioritize long-term outcomes over short-term respite.

Conclusion

• Expert physiotherapy works well for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
• Early management can prevent chronic pain and disability.
• We effectively restore pain-free thumb function at Elite Physiotherapy.
• Make an appointment for your evaluation to advance more quickly and effectively.