What Is the Very Best Treatment for Thumb Tendonitis?

DeQuervain's tendonitis is inflamation of the thumb tendons.

Thumb tendonitis (deQuervain's tendonitis) is a condition brought on by irritation or swelling of the tendons found along the thumb side of the wrist. If you have thumb tendonitis, you probably feel pain when making a fist, gripping objects or turning your wrist.

Goal

The goal of treating thumb tendonitis is to relieve the pain caused by the inflammation and swelling.

Rest

The first treatment usually is to avoid activities that can cause pain and swelling. A doctor sometimes will recommend that you wear a thumb splint.

Reducing Inflammation

Your doctor probably will recommend that you apply ice packs to the thumb and possibly prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. An alternative practitioner may recommend anti-inflammatory herbs, such as bromelain or white willow, or nutritional support, such as vitamin C or calcium.

Corticosteroids

Another option is to inject corticosteroids, such as cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone, into the tendon sheath. The sheath is the layer of membrane around a tendon that allows it to move.

Surgery

Surgery is usually a last resort. The goal of surgery is to open the compartment where the tendons reside to make more room for the irritated tendons.

References

• Bursitis, Tendinitis, and Other Soft Tissue Rheumatic Syndromes.
• De Quervain's Tendinitis
• Tendinitis