How to Diagnose DeQuervain's Tendonitis

DeQuervain's tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons connecting your thumb to your wrist. Most people have two tendons connecting the thumb and the wrist with a thin piece of connective tissue called a sheath which encompasses the tendons. Patients with DeQuervain's often have three or four tendons instead, which puts additional pressure on the sheath holding the tendons in place.

Symptoms of DeQuervain's often appear after you have used your wrist/thumb more heavily than normal. New mothers sometimes experience DeQuervain's tendonitis as a result of the increased use of their wrist when picking up their child.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Bring your elbow to a ninety degree angle by your side and relax your hand.

2. 
    

   Bring your thumb into the palm of your hand and wrap your fingers loosely around your thumb.

3. 
    

   Gently bring your wrist down towards the ground. Patients with DeQuervain's tendonitis will experience a sharp pain radiating from the wrist up their arm. If you experience this, refer to your physician who can discuss treatment options with you.

Tips & Warnings

• The first step in treating DeQuervain's tendonitis is often placing the injured wrist in a splint for 4-6 weeks. In my case, my tendonitis did not get better until I had a steroid injection in the area. After that, it cleared up within a week.