What is De Quervain's Tendonitis? De Quervain's Tendonitis Symptoms and What De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment May Help Naturally

De Quervain's tendonitis, also known as De Quervain's tenosynovitis, is a condition caused by irritation and swelling of tendons along the inside of the wrist. The painful swelling can actually alter the shape of the tendon’s lining, making it difficult to move them. In this blog post, we will find go over De Quervain's tenosynovitis symptoms and causes. We will also learn what De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment is out there that is natural and may help reduce your pain and discomfort

What Are De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Symptoms?

There are a variety of de quervain’s tenosynovitis symptoms that can be very uncomfortable, including pain when:

• Grasping items
• Making a fist
• Turning the wrist
• Pain and tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist

The pain may come on gradually, or it may appear suddenly. You may feel discomfort in your forearm, too. The pain usually gets worse when using the thumb or hand, especially when twisting the wrist or grasping objects.

Causes and Risk Factors

Like other similar conditions, De Quervain's tendonitis can have many causes, but the most common culprit is the overuse of the hand and wrist.

Repeatedly turning or twisting your wrists or overextending your thumbs can lead to pain, inflammation, and swelling. If left untreated, inflammation, and narrowing in the area can limit thumb movement, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

The condition is sometimes called “mother’s thumb” because it’s very common among new moms. It’s believed that the movements needed to care for an infant can trigger De Quervain's tendonitis.

Other causes of this condition include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Injuries to the thumb
• Other inflammatory conditions

In most cases, the exact cause is unknown.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing De Quervain's Tendonitis can be painful. The first step is a physical exam and a discussion of your symptoms.

For a diagnosis, most doctors will perform a Finkelstein test, which requires you to make a fist with your fingers over your thumb and bend your wrist towards your little finger. For those who have De Quervain's tendonitis, the test can be quite painful. If there’s any tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist, this may be an indication that you have De Quervain's Tenosynovitis.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment

Treating the inflammation and swelling is the first step in De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment and to alleviating the pain caused by De Quervain's tendonitis.

In mild to moderate cases, letting it rest may be the best option. Simply not doing the things that are causing the pain may help reduce the swelling, and the pain may go away on its own.

In severe cases, doctors may recommend surgery.

Using a splint can help limit thumb movement so that your hand can get the rest it needs. It’s important to choose the right type of splint that extends over the wrist and thumb.

Natural Remedies for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Reducing inflammation is the most important thing in reducing pain and discomfort. While you can take over the counter NSAIDs, there are natural ways to help bring down the swelling and your symptoms.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found abundantly in fatty fish like salmon and cod, omega-3 fatty acids are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may help with tendonitis-related pain.

In one study, volunteers were given three different doses of fish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids. The participants’ blood was tested at various intervals to look for anti-inflammatory molecules. Researchers found that fish oil increased levels of these anti-inflammatory molecules for up to 24 hours.

Curcumin (from Turmeric)

Curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric, may also help with inflammation and pain. Turmeric root is a part of the ginger family.

One systemic review found that curcumin had anti-inflammatory effects and was deemed safe in six human trials. Researchers believe that it may reduce inflammation by inhibiting different molecules that play a role in the inflammatory response.

While you can add turmeric to your diet, supplements are usually a more practical solution for getting the high doses you need to see results.

Green Tea

Doctors believe that green tea may have anti-inflammatory effects because people who live in green tea-drinking regions generally have lower rates of inflammation-related diseases.

Research also suggests that green tea may reduce the production of some inflammatory chemicals. In particular, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity. Other findings have shown that EGCG can inhibit the expression of cytokines and inflammatory enzymes.

To enjoy these benefits, you can drink up to four cups of green tea per day or take a green tea extract supplement.

CBD Oil

New research into CBD is showing promising results for inflammation and pain. An animal model study published in the European Journal of Pain showed that topical CBD may reduce inflammation and pain caused by arthritis.

Other research looked at how CBD slows the inflammatory response to help treat neuropathic pain, one of the most difficult forms of chronic pain to treat.

Hemp-derived CBD is readily available in topical form for fast-acting and precision pain relief.

Magnesium

A natural mineral found abundantly in the body, magnesium plays a role in many bodily functions. It may also help regulate the inflammatory response. Research shows that magnesium supplements can reduce markers of inflammation, including CRP.

Magnesium can be used topically, taken orally, or consumed through your diet. Topical and oral options are readily available. Dark chocolate and fatty fish are both excellent sources of magnesium.

De Quervain's tendonitis can be a painful condition, but with rest and the right combination of natural remedies, it’s possible to reduce the inflammation and pain.