Radial Styloid Tenosynovitis Flashcards
What is radial styloid tenosynovitis?
Radial styloid tenosynovitis is also known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. It is a very painful medical condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons in the wrist on each hand, which are nearest to the thumb.
What causes radial styloid tenosynovitis?
The real cause of radial styloid tenosynovitis is not known. However, repetitive activities and movements of the hand or wrist will result into radial styloid tenosynovitis. Lifting things, working in the garden, playing golf or tennis can lead to the development of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
Other causes of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include inflammatory arthritis of the wrist and hand as well as direct injuries of the wrist and muscle tends, resulting in a formation of a scar tissue which will restrict the movement of these muscle tendons.
Some people are at a greater risk for radial styloid tenosynovitis than others. Risk factors include:
Sex – radial styloid tenosynovitis is more common among women than men.
Age – it is more common among middle – age adults, usually affecting the ages between 30 and 50 years old.
Taking care of your baby – lifting your child can result into radial styloid tenosynovitis due to a repeated use of the thumbs as leverage.
Working or sports that require repetitive movements of the wrist and hand
Pregnancy – radial styloid tenosynovitis can also be associated with pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms of radial styloid tenosynovitis
Common signs and symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include:
Pain which is located near the base of the thumb
Swelling near the base of the thumb
Difficulties and painful movements of the thumbs and wrists, etc.
Diagnosis of radial styloid tenosynovitis
Radial styloid tenosynovitis is diagnosed based on a detailed medical history and anamnesis, accompanied by a physical examination of the affected hand and wrist. A Finkelstein test is also performed during which your doctor will bend the thumb across the palm of the hand and bend the fingers down over the thumb. The wrist is then banded toward the little finger. If these movements cause pain on the thumb side of the wrist it is likely that you are suffering from radial styloid tenosynovitis.
How is radial styloid tenosynovitis treated?
Treatment of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis tends to reduce the pain and restore the movement range of the wrist and hand as much as possible. Radial styloid tenosynovitis treatment also aims to reduce the inflammation in order to relieve the signs and symptoms of this condition. Preventing recurrence is also very important.
Early radial styloid tenosynovitis treatment improves the signs and symptoms of radial styloid tenosynovitis within the first four to six weeks. If radial styloid tenosynovitis occurs during pregnancy it is more likely that the signs and symptoms will resolve after childbirth or after breastfeeding.
Over the counter painkillers are routinely recommended for the radial styloid tenosynovitis treatment of pain. Corticosteroid injections directly into the tendon sheath are also recommended in order to reduce the inflammation and swelling.
Immobilization of the affected thumb with a splint or brace will help the recovery process by keeping your tendons in rest. Applying ice packs on the affected area will reduce the inflammation and swelling.
Physical therapy is also recommended in order to strengthen muscle tendons as well as to adjust daily routines in order to prevent a further progression of this condition or its recurrence.
Surgery is the last treatment option for radial styloid tenosynovitis during which the surgeon inspects the tendon sheath and even opens them in order to release the pressure.
If left untreated radial styloid tenosynovitis can result in a limitation of the range motion of the wrist and arm as well as making it very hard to move and use the affected hand and wrist.
