De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (also referred to as Mommy Wrist), the most common type of wrist tendonitis, is a painful inflammation of the tendon on the thumb side of the wrist.
What Are The Causes Of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
Potential causes of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis include heavy lifting and repetitive motions of the wrist such as writing longhand.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Mommy Wrist?
Common symptoms of Mommy Wrist include pain, tenderness, and swelling on the thumb side of the wrist. Moving the wrist back and forth in a hammering motion is usually accompanied by sharp pain.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Mommy Wrist?
De Quervain’s Tenosyvitis is commonly associated with pregnancy, and can be caused by the repetitive motion of using one’s thumbs for leverage while lifting a baby. Playing sports that require repetitive lifting and extending of the wrist can also increase your risk.
How Is Mommy Wrist Diagnosed?
Taking a detailed injury history and physical exam is usually all that is needed to diagnose De Quervain’s tendonitis. X-rays can sometimes show if there is a bony prominence that could be contributing to the pain.
What Are The Possible Treatments For De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
In general, conservative approaches are sufficient for treatment of Mommy Wrist. A thumb spica splint limits hand and wrist motion which may cause sharp pain. Anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen and cortisone injections to the tendon can help with reducing painful inflammation. In cases that do not respond to these treatment options, surgery may be necessary.
Are There Preventative Steps Or Measures To Avoid Mommy Wrist?
If you have an occupation that requires repeated heavy lifting or repetitive wrist motion, taking regular breaks may help reduce your risk of developing De Quervain’s Tenosyvitis.
What Are The Risks If Mommy Wrist Is Left Untreated?
If left untreated, Mommy Wrist can cause the tendons to become very inflamed, resulting in severe pain.
Are There Other Related Conditions To Mommy Wrist?
The FCR and ECU tendons, also located in the wrist, can develop tendonitis, causing similar pain symptoms to other parts of the wrist.
Key Takeaways About Mommy Wrist
Mommy Wrist is a painful inflammation of the tendon which attaches to the base of the thumb. It is caused by repetitive wrist movements or heavy lifting. Usually this condition can be resolved through conservative means such as splinting, anti-inflammatory medication and cortisone injections. If not treated, De Quervain’s Tenosyvitis can take months to heal on its own and may cause debilitating pain.
