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Chinese De Quervain's Disease
Addressing the Root Cause, Not Just the Symptoms
Prime Rehabilitation Services: Resolving Muscle Strain from the Source
De Quervain's disease, also known as De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, is a very common hand pain condition. This nickname vividly describes the affected group: it often troubles new mothers or working parents who need to hold infants, as well as individuals who frequently perform repetitive wrist movements.
De Quervain's disease occurs on the thumb side of the wrist. It's caused by the inflammation, swelling, and thickening of the two tendons of the thumb (Abductor Pollicis Longus and Extensor Pollicis Brevis) and their surrounding sheath due to overuse. This leads to compression or friction when the tendons glide, causing pain.
Understanding De Quervain's Disease
The main groups affected by De Quervain's disease include:
New Moms/Dads
Actions like holding a baby, feeding, and changing diapers keep the wrist in an incorrect or strained posture for long periods.
Office Workers and Professionals
Those who frequently use a computer mouse, type, or use smartphones (office staff), or those who require prolonged gripping of tools (hairdressers, chefs), etc.
Specific Sports Enthusiasts
People whose sports involve extensive wrist movement, such as golf, badminton, or tennis.
Causes and Symptoms
Common Causes:
The development of De Quervain's disease is often the result of the accumulation of repetitive movements and incorrect postures when exerting force.
- Incorrect Posture: Relying solely on the strength of the wrist and thumb to lift or grip objects, such as holding a baby in a "C-shape" grip or lifting heavy items only with finger strength.
- Overuse: A significant increase in wrist and thumb activity, especially during the postpartum period, without sufficient rest for the wrist.
- Excessive Load: Frequently carrying heavy objects, putting undue stress on the tendons.
- Trauma or Chronic Inflammation: Previous wrist injuries that did not fully recover, or chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations in pregnant or postpartum women can make the tendon sheaths more prone to swelling.
Common Symptoms:
If you experience the following symptoms, you might have De Quervain's disease:
- Pain at the Base of the Thumb: Continuous or intermittent pain on the side of the wrist near the thumb, especially when moving the thumb or wrist.
- Restricted Movement: Difficulty performing actions like gripping, wringing a towel, opening a bottle cap, or writing.
- Local Swelling: The painful area may appear slightly swollen or feel like it is "catching."
- Radiating Pain: The pain sometimes extends from the wrist up to the forearm.
- Specific Movements Worsen Pain: For example, bending the thumb into the palm, making a fist around it, and then bending the wrist down or toward the little finger (Finkelstein’s test).
Treatment and Rehabilitation
The key to managing De Quervain's disease is early treatment and adjusting lifestyle habits.
Immediate Care (Acute Stage):
- Rest: Avoid all activities that cause pain.
- Ice: Apply ice to the painful area multiple times a day for about 10 to 15 minutes each time to reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Support: Use a wrist brace or thumb splint to restrict wrist and thumb movement, allowing the injured tendons to rest.
Physiotherapy:
- Rest: Avoid all activities that cause pain.
- Ice: Apply ice to the painful area multiple times a day for about 10 to 15 minutes each time to reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief: A physiotherapist will use modalities like Shockwave Therapy, ultrasound, or electrotherapy to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
- Manual Therapy: Targeted techniques to relax tight muscles in the forearm and wrist, such as fascial release or soft tissue mobilization.
- Posture Correction: Identify the core cause of the pain and teach correct posture for holding a baby, lifting heavy objects, or using electronic devices.
1. 伸展運動（Stretch）
Thumb Extensor Tendon Stretch:
Gently stretch the injured tendons to help restore flexibility.
Wrist Flexor Stretch
Stretch the inner forearm muscles to reduce tension on the wrist.
2. Strengthening Exercises
Gripping Exercise
Strengthen the hand and forearm grip, improving hand stability.
Wrist Radial Deviation Lift
Strengthen the forearm extensor muscles to stabilize the wrist joint.
Important Note: If you experience increased pain while performing any exercise, stop immediately and seek assistance from a professional physiotherapist.
Our Services
Prime Rehabilitation Services provides professional physiotherapy and rehabilitation services. Our expert team will develop the most suitable treatment and training plan for your specific condition, helping you resolve your pain from the source and restore your best state.
If you have pain issues, contact us immediately and let our professional team provide you with a personalized treatment plan.