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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone had any experience with De Quervain's tenosynovitis?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Utah

The rheumatologist today said that's what's wrong with my thumb and wrist. So I had to order a thumb spica splint from Amazon and wear it for 2 weeks.

November 12, 2024
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone newly diagnosed with De Quervain's tenosynovitis, a painful inflammation of the thumb and wrist tendons, with... Read more

Members rallied around someone newly diagnosed with De Quervain's tenosynovitis, a painful inflammation of the thumb and wrist tendons, with several sharing that thumb spica splints, Voltaren gel, and cortisone injections have provided meaningful relief. Many members identified repetitive hand movements like looming and crocheting as triggers for flare-ups, noting the frustrating reality that beloved hobbies sometimes have to be paused to allow healing. A recurring theme was the need for balance, humor, and self-compassion when managing chronic pain, with members encouraging each other to pace activities, rest when needed, and hold onto joy despite physical limitations.

myRAteam

De Quervain's tenosynovitis, also known as De Quervain tendinitis, is a condition where the tendons running from the back of your thumb down the side of your wrist become swollen and irritated. This can cause:

- Pain on the back of your thumb when you make a fist, grab something, or turn your wrist
- Numbness in the thumb Show Full Answer

De Quervain's tenosynovitis, also known as De Quervain tendinitis, is a condition where the tendons running from the back of your thumb down the side of your wrist become swollen and irritated. This can cause:

- Pain on the back of your thumb when you make a fist, grab something, or turn your wrist.
- Numbness in the thumb and index finger.
- Swelling of the wrist.
- Stiffness when moving your thumb or wrist.
- Popping of the wrist tendons.
- Difficulty pinching things with your thumb.

Treatment typically includes:

- Resting the wrist and thumb.
- Using a wrist splint, like the thumb spica splint you ordered.
- Taking pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Applying ice to the wrist for 20 minutes every hour while awake.
- Physical therapy and exercises to increase strength and flexibility.

If symptoms persist, a cortisone shot or surgery may be necessary. Always follow your doctor's advice and care plan for the best results.

November 12, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Tuesday? I thought it was Monday. Did I lose a day again?

November 18, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Bless you, you have the damaged arm and me with both hands. It's hard getting used to cold numb fingers. Hope you had a good day!

November 18, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Hi Carol, I tell ya we are damned if we do and damned if we don't 😕. I hope you get some relief soon. I like hand crafts too, but my hands and fingers are so numb. In the a.m., my arms from the shoulders to the fingertips feel like 'dead wt.' Oh well, the holidays are coming, I've already written down the menu for Thanksgiving and will start cooking next week. I told myself I will not wear myself out this year. I am taking one dish a day with the ole bird the a.m. of Nov. 28!

November 13, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Thanks everyone for your responses! Nesha, mine is not numb just achy and swells at the bottom of the thumb joint and wrist
Adalia, he does think the hand itself has osteoarthritis. I keep forgetting about the volteran. Thanks for the reminder
Jayne, you are very smart.... I think it's from looming. I've done more in the last 2 months. I've done a dishcloths set, a beanie, and 2 and 1/2 winter scarfs. I used to get tennis elbow when I was crocheting, before the dreaded arm surgery. Oh well. I guess it's time to rest it. 🥺

November 13, 2024

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