What is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It involves inflammation and swelling of the synovium of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. 

What triggers this condition? 

While the exact cause isn't known, factors that may contribute include: 

-Overuse of the thumb, especially with forceful and repetitive motions 

-Direct injury to the wrist or tendon 

What can be the potential symptoms? 

-Swelling and pain on the thumb side of the wrist 

-Pain may radiate up the forearm 

-Difficulty gripping or making a fist 

What constitutes a definitive diagnosis for De Quervain's tenosynovitis? 

A combination of history, physical exam, and special tests like Finkelstein's test are generally enough for diagnosis. Imaging like ultrasound or MRI may be used in unclear cases. 

What are the treatment options? 

First-line treatment includes rest, splinting, and NSAIDs. If these conservative measures fail, corticosteroid injection is an option. Surgical management might be considered for resistant or chronic cases. a