Muscles and appendices
Tendinitis of the thumb
What is tendinitis?
Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon.
Tendons are composed of fibres. They attach muscle to bone and give joints their mobility. When there are repeated movements, the rubbing of the tendon against the bone can provoke the wear of some fibres.
The micro-rupture of these tendinous fibres is accompanied by a painful inflammatory reaction. The inflammation can affect the surrounding structures, such as the synovial sheath around the tendons. Tendinitis can also be caused by repeated micro-trauma, such as blows or shocks, to the tendon.
The pain of tendinitis is increased by movement and calmed by rest.
What is tendinitis of the thumb?
Tendinitis of the thumb is the inflammation of the synovial sheath through which pass the tendons that attach the thumb to the wrist (at the level of the "anatomical snuff-box").
The condition is provoked by activities that require the repeated use of the thumb (often for professional reasons) combined with a certain force, such as opening and closing movements when using scissors or shears.
It is also called "De Quervain's disease" or "tenosynovitis".
Orthopaedic treatment
The aim of the orthopaedic solution is to decrease the pain (analgesia) and to give rest through the absence of movement of the wrist and thumb.
The wrist is placed in a neutral anatomical position thanks to a
made-to-measure thermoformable or standard wrist splint.
If the condition is not treated, the pain becomes unbearable, with local inflammatory swelling, and normal use of the hand becomes impossible.
However, in order to prevent recurrence, in addition to the medical treatment and possible physiotherapy, patients should envisage changing their habits or professional movements.
Orthopaedic management can fit into the framework of a medical treatment prescribed by your doctor. In case of doubt, ask your doctor or orthopaedist for advice.
