How to Wrap Wrist for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful disease that affects the tendons on the wrist's thumb side. It is normally caused by overuse of the thumb and wrist. This condition makes it difficult for patients to grasp anything, as it causes extreme pain when you turn the wrist.
Understanding how to wrap wrist for de Quervain's tenosynovitis is essential to managing this disease. The best solution is to immobilize the wrist by wearing a thumb brace for de Quervain's tenosynovitis, as it provides rest for your thumb and wrist.
Immobilization reduces strain on the affected tendons and brings down the inflammation through compression. Let’s understand its causes more in detail, see how long to wear brace for de Quervain's tenosynovitis, go through the risk factors, and more.
Causes and Risk Factors for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Before understanding how to wrap wrist for de Quervain's tenosynovitis, it’s essential to understand the main causes and risk factors associated with painful swelling around your thumb tendons.
1. Direct Causes
De Quervain's tenosynovitis, also called mother’s thumb, has the following direct causes:
- Overuse of the Thumb and Wrist
Repetitive movement of the thumb and wrist can cause swelling and inflammation of the tendons. Activities that demand constant gripping, pinching, or twisting motions of the thumb and wrist stress the tendons, which results in irritation and swelling over time.
- Lifting Child
De Quervain's tenosynovitis can also occur due to lifting a child frequently, especially when it’s done using improper techniques.
Repetitive lifting motions, often with the thumb extended, can result in this condition. This is also a reason why new mothers are at a high risk of developing this condition.
- Impact on the Wrist or Thumb
Sudden trauma or impact on the thumb or wrist can cause direct injury to the tendons. This impact can result in acute inflammation and contribute to De Quervain's tenosynovitis development.
- Occupational Influences
There are certain occupational influences that require repetitive hand and wrist movements. People associated with professions like gardening, painting, knitting, crafts, etc., are more at risk of developing this disease. This is mostly because these activities involve prolonged use of the thumb and wrist.
- Prolonged and Frequent Tennis Play
Hand and wrist injuries are common among tennis players. They are more prone to De Quervain's tenosynovitis due to the constant motion involved in gripping the racket and hitting the ball. This repeated motion can cause inflammation and pain in the tendons.
2. High-risk Factors
It’s essential to know the high-risk factors that can lead to this condition.
- Older Age
As people age, the tendons and the surrounding tissues become less flexible and more susceptible to inflammation. Due to this reason, people aged between 30 and 50 are more likely to develop de Quervain's tenosynovitis.
- Female
Women are more prone to this disease, as hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum can result in this condition. The need to care for a newborn is where this condition earned the nickname “mother’s thumb.”
- Occupation
People involved in certain types of manual labor are also at increased risk of developing de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Occupations that include playing an instrument, operating a machine, and assembly line work put excessive strain on the thumb and wrist tendons.
- Wrist injury
Many injuries weaken the tendons in the thumb and wrist areas. Sometimes, even minor injuries can put a person at higher risk of developing this disease.
How to Relieve De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Knowing “how to wrap wrist for de Quervain's tenosynovitis” is important in managing the symptoms of this condition. The methods below help reduce pain and swelling in the tendons, giving you relief from pain gradually.
- Common Relief Methods
Practice these common methods to relieve the pain associated with de Quervain's tenosynovitis.
- Wearing Wrist Braces: A mother’s thumb brace immobilizes the thumb and wrist. This reduced movement helps get rid of pain and prevent further irritation.
- Rest and Movement Adjustment: Repetitive thumb movement aggravates the condition. Hence, it should be avoided. Instead, alternate ways should be incorporated to perform everyday tasks.
- Ice and Heat Therapy: Icing reduces swelling and relieves pain, while heat therapy helps relax muscles and improve blood circulation. Both of these are effective for pain relief.
- Anti-inflammatory Medication: Many oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and focally injected corticosteroid medication help decrease pain and inflammation.
- Rehabilitation: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help alleviate those symptoms and improve the range of motion while supporting the tendons and muscles involved.
- How to Wrap Wrist for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
Looking for a complete guide on how to wrap wrist for de Quervain's tenosynovitis? Here’s how you can do it:
- Choosing the right wrist braces: Look for a wrist brace designed specifically for de Quervain's tenosynovitis, as it supports both the wrist and the thumb.
- Cleaning and taking care of your hands: Before starting to wrap the wrist, covering it with a hot towel can help relax the muscles. In addition, apply some lotion to the hand to reduce friction and make the wrist more comfortable.
- Start wearing the wrist brace: Wrap the brace around your wrist and thumb. The thumb should fit comfortably in the thumb spica section. Once you get a knack for how to tape wrist and thumb, it will be easier for you.
- Adjusting the tightness: Fasten the straps, making sure they are not too tight. They should only restrict the movement and not cut off the circulation. Adjust the tightness such that there’s no excessive pressure on any part.
- Ensure a comfortable fit: The brace should support your wrist and thumb without affecting the mobility of your fingers. Adjust the straps if you feel the brace pinching your skin.
- Pay attention to regular replacement: Clean the blue wrist brace regularly and check for signs of wear and tear to maintain its effectiveness. Replace it if it doesn’t fit well.
Fivali Wrist Braces Provide Support for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Now that you know how to wrap wrist for de Quervain's tenosynovitis, it’s time to get your hands on the best wrist brace.
A brace that fits comfortably should be your preference. In that case, Fivali Thumb Splint Brace 1 Pack FWR02 is exactly the brace that will give you preferable results. It has a thumb-specific stabilization strap and a reliable support gel bar to ensure a comfortable fit between your thumb and hand.
If you prefer built-in metal support and a breathable and lightweight fabric, Fivali Hand Wrist Brace with Lightweight and Breathable Fabric - 1 Pack can be your go-to tape for de Quervain's tenosynovitis.
FAQs from Patients About De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
- How Long Does De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Last?
- Can De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Lead to Complications?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a serious disease that can be treated if you start the treatment early and pick the right mother’s thumb brace, like the Fivali wrist brace. In addition, try common relief methods like ice and heat therapy and rehabilitation in consultation with your doctor to see the results in a few weeks. Select a Fivali thumb brace to assist in the treatment of de Quervain's tenosynovitis!
