DeQuervain’s or DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis or Mother’s Thumb is a condition that we frequently see here at Fitwise. In DeQuervain’s the tendons that move the thumb become inflamed and rub against the tunnel that encloses them. It can result in mild to severe pain on the thumb side of the wrist.

DeQuervain’s can be caused by extra stress and load on the thumb from activities that involve repetitive lifting. The condition is common in women, especially pregnant women and mothers of young children due to the repetitive lifting of babies, car seats etc.

Symptoms:

Pain at the base of the thumb, sometimes extending up the forearm, especially during movements—for example, grasping — that use the thumb and wrist.
There may also be swelling along the thumb side of the wrist.
Decreased movement of the thumb and wrist.
Treatment:

Avoiding activities that cause pain- a splint may be helpful and can be fitted by your physio.
Cold packs and ice massage on the painful area.
Specific exercises as prescribed by your physio.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, we’d love to help you. Please book an initial consultation with myself, or one of my fellow colleagues who will carry out a thorough assessment and formulate a treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Please note that information provided in this article is general advice only. For individual advice, we recommend a consultation. For more information or to book an appointment, you can…

Contact our friendly reception team on 9822 4999 (Armadale) or 9486 0512 (East Melbourne)
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