My mother was diagnosed with DeQuervain's tendinitis. I would appreciate if someone could explain to me what this means. I know that it has something to do with her thumb. Can I get more details?
DeQuervain's tendinitis is a painful problem which results from irritation of tendons on the side of the wrist. These tendons move the thumb sideways away from the palm and they can result in wrist and forearm pain on the side of the thumb. This is particulary the case with certain positions and movements of the wrist. The problem is due to irritation of two tendons at a point where they run through a very tight channel from the forearm to the thumb. Many people have two small separate channels for the tendons are particularly predisposed to this problem and the pain occurs at the base of the thumb and the radial side of the forearm. People with mild symptoms will improve with a limited period of anti-inflammatory medication and avoiding painful activities. If it is related to light repetitive work activities it is less likely to resolve.