De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, most common type of tendon inflammation in Mothers

This disease is also known as Gamers’ thumb, Washerwoman’s sprain, Radial styloid tenosynovitis, de Quervain’s disease, de Quervain's tenosynovitis, de Quervain's stenosing tenosynovitis, Mother's wrist, Mommy thumb.

It is one of the most common types of tendon lining inflammation, also called tenosynovitis. The swollen tendons and their coverings cause friction within the narrow tunnel or sheath through which they pass. If a particular motion is repeated day after day, it may irritate the sheath around the two tendons, causing thickening that restricts the movement of the tendons. The result is pain that may extend from the forearm to the thumb base. De Quervain’s was named after the Swiss surgeon who first described the condition in 1895.

People between the ages of 30 and 50 have a higher risk of developing de Quervain's tenosynovitis than those in other age groups. The condition is more common in women than in men, and it may be associated with pregnancy. Baby care, which involves using your thumbs as leverage to lift your child hundreds of times a day, may also be associated with the condition.


The condition can occur gradually or suddenly. Often, its cause is unknown. Jobs or hobbies that involve repetitive hand and wrist motions like Gardening, racquet sports, and various workplace tasks are some activities that can aggravate the condition. Overuse, a direct trauma or injuries to the thumb, repetitive grasping and certain inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can all trigger the disease.

Symptoms
•    Pain may travel into the thumb or forearm.
•    Thumb motion may be difficult and painful, particularly when pinching or grasping objects
•    Swelling and pain on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb.
•    The pain aggravates with thumb and wrist motion.
•    Pain, if direct pressure is applied to the area.
•    A "sticking" or "stop-and-go" sensation in thumb when trying to move it

The test most frequently used to diagnose de Quervain’s disease is the Finkelstein test. Make a fist with your thumb placed in your palm. When the wrist is suddenly bent to the little finger side the swollen tendons are pulled through the tight space. If this maneuver is very painful, it is likely that you have de Quervain’s disease.
 
Wearing a splint 24 hours a day for  four to six weeks ,immobilize the affected area ,abstaining from any activities that may aggravate the condition, Ice application to reduce inflammation,anti-inflammatory medication or injection and if all the above efforts does not respond surgery may be indicated. Surgical release of the tight sheath eliminates the friction that worsens the inflammation, thus restoring the tendons’ smooth gliding capability. The risks and complications of surgery include nerve injury, infection, bleeding, stiffness of thumb, recurrence, pain or numbness at the incision.

The main benefit of Ayurveda treatment is to lessen the pain and improve mobility and function says Dr Pathrose, Chief Physician, Pathrose Parathuvayalil Hospital and Orthopedic Centre, Kerala. With the aid of Prachannam, a type of Rakthamoksha one among the Panchakarma Procedures, de Quervain’s disease can be well managed in Ayurveda. He also suggests avoiding excessive movements such as hand and wrist twisting, pinching and forceful gripping for those having this kind of tenosynovitis.