Do you have wrist pain? It may be radial styloid tenosynovitis.
Radial styloid tenosynovitis, also known as De Quervain’s disease, is an overuse syndrome that occurs between tendons and the sheath covering tendons at the thumb side of the wrist. These affected tendons help move your thumb and are the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons. It is not associated with any injury or fall.
Radial styloid tenosynovitis is fairly common and affects mainly new mothers and people who frequently use their hands for work.
What are the symptoms of radial styloid tenosynovitis?
Pain located at the wrist on the side of the thumb is the main symptom of radial styloid. tenosynovitis. Additional symptoms may include:
- Pain that radiates to the thumb or even up the forearm
- Worsening pain when making a fist with your thumb inside of your fingers
- Swelling near the base of the thumb
- Pain when holding or lifting objects or when moving their thumb or wrist.
If the condition goes too long without treatment, the pain may spread farther into the thumb or forearm or both.
What causes radial styloid tenosynovitis?
Radial styloid tenosynovitis is an overuse syndrome. Symptoms start to occur when the tendons or other body tissues cannot consistently perform what it is being required of them. It is more common when someone starts performing an activity frequently that they rarely performed before. A good example of this is a new mother who has to lift her new baby often.
How is radial styloid tenosynovitis diagnosed?
Radial styloid tenosynovitis is usually diagnosed by history taking in the office and a physical exam. X-rays and musculoskeletal ultrasound are often performed. Ultrasound can demonstrate a thickened tendon, tendon tears, or fluid within the tendon sheath covering the tendons. MRIs may also be ordered for further evaluation.
How do you treat radial styloid tenosynovitis?
Treatment starts with avoiding the activities that caused the problem (grasping objects, etc.). Other common treatments include:
- Using a thumb spica wrist brace for immobilization
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Icing the affected area
Treatment also includes strengthening exercises for the fingers, hand, wrist, and forearm. Corticosteroid injections into the tendon sheath are also often used to improve symptoms.