DeQuervain’s is a condition where the two tendons that insert into the base of the thumb, the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB), become inflamed inside of the sheath.
Do you experience hand pain whilst playing video games? Repetitive injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis may be the reason. Here’s what you can do to help.
Pain in the wrist, arm and elbow is fairly common amongst tennis players. Tennis is quite strenuous on the arm as a whole, and injury is usually the result of chronic overuse, poor technique or incorrect equipment, however acute injuries also occur from impact or tripping over.
Many people who enjoy knitting may experience pain or discomfort in the hands or wrist at some point. The repetitive actions involved with knitting exposes one to the development of a number of conditions, the foremost being Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, trigger thumb or De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is the irritation of the two tendons that insert at the base of the thumb as they pass through the extensor sheath. The extensor pollicis brevis and the abductor pollicis longus muscles are responsible for lifting the thumb up and away from the palm. Repetitive movements of the thumb and wrist, as well as activities requiring pinching, can cause pain and swelling around the tendons. Aggravating activities include repetitive wrist movements, such as in the example above, and day-to-day activities such as writing, carrying boxes, turning keys and making the bed.