I am 26 years old man and I have been playing baseball for 14 years. Lately, I could not do it due to a pain in my right thumb. I went to my doctor and he diagnosed me with De Quervain's disease. I would like to know more about it.
De Quervain's disease is a painful disorder affecting the tendons at the base of the thumb and it is one of the most common kinds of tendon lining, inflammatory diseases or tenosynovitis. Tendons are encased in sheaths, or sleeves, through which the tendons slide and the inner wall of the sheaths contains cells. These cells produce a slippery fluid to lubricate the tendons and with repetitive or excessive movements such as hand twisting, the lubrication system may malfunction. Failure of the lubricating system allows friction to develop between the tendons of the thumb and their common sheath and the repetitive friction accounts for the abnormal thickening and the constriction of the sheath. This interferes with the smooth gliding motion of the tendons and the patient experiences pain when moving the thumb away from the hand. It also has difficulties with activities requiring a firm grip and twisting of the hand. The pain occurs at the base of the thumb and the radial side of the forearm. Majority of patients with De Quervain's disease respond to medical treatment but in some cases surgical procedure is necessary.