what is dequervain’s syndrome?

In order to have a “Syndrome” (or “Disease” as some prefer to call this particular problem — yes, it is sometimes called “DeQuervain’s Disease”), you must first have a well-delineated set of symptoms.  The standard set of symptoms for DeQuervain’s Syndrome are as follows:

• Pain at the Thumb Side of the Wrist

• Tenderness to the Touch in the Same Area

• Swelling Over the Thumb Side of the Wrist

• Difficulty Gripping Things or Opposing your Thumb (Pinching)

Interestingly enough, this problem is not thought of as a TENDINOSIS, even though, just like Tendinosis, it is not considered to be an “INFLAMMATORY” condition.  Unfortunately, few doctors are aware of this.  Case in point; DeQuervain’s is referred to as a Tenosynovitis (an “itis” or Inflammation of the synovial sheath / membrane that surrounds the tendon).  Notice the dichotomy here?  Although the problem is not considered to be “Inflammatory”, in much the same way that “TENDINITIS” is typically dealt with, it is named and treated as such.

Even more interesting is that the two forms of treatment that the peer-reviewed literature discuss the most for DeQuervain’s Syndrome (CORTICOSTEROID INJECTIONS and Surgery) are not any too effective.  Case in point:  just re-read the quote at the top of the page.  Likewise, the same scientific literature considers NSAIDS to be ‘palliative‘ as opposed to therapeutic (they have the potential to help you feel better, but do nothing to actually help you get better).   In looking at the studies concerning treatment for DeQuervin’s Syndrome, you will see lists of other treatment methods (besides Corticosteroid Injections or Surgery) that one might use to deal this this problem, and call them “experimental” (COLD LASER THERAPY is on this list).  But then again, what can you expect from EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE.  As you may have noticed, drugs and surgery rule the day — it’s where the biggest money is.   As we already learned from the quote at the top of the page; just like so many other health problems (HERE), treatment protocols are determined not by “scientific data” but instead by “convention” (tradition).  GREAT RESULTS cannot be faked!

I would suggest that if you think you think you might have this problem, take a long look at my site’s DeQUERVAIN’S SYNDROME PAGE.  I promise that you’ll learn far more than your doctor ever thought about telling you (including information on making the diagnosis yourself —- it takes all of two seconds).