De Quervain’s Disease: Not Just for New Mothers, Office Workers at Risk Too

De Quervain’s Disease: A Condition That Affects More Than Just Young Mothers

It is a common misconception that De Quervain’s disease, also known as “Tendon sheath disease of the wrist,” primarily affects young mothers who frequently carry their babies. However, office workers like us are equally susceptible to this chronic inflammatory condition if we do not exercise caution and care when using our wrists.

De Quervain’s disease specifically targets the tendon and tendon sheath in the thumb, causing pain near the base of the thumb whenever we move it or twist our wrist. Activities like clenching a fist become painful, and if left untreated, the pain can even spread to the elbow and cause numbness in the arm.

While there may be various causes for the development of this disease, such as overusing the wrists, accidentally spraining them, or relying on them for support in a fall, office workers face a higher risk due to the repetitive strain we place on our wrists. Whether it’s constant typing, using a smartphone for extended periods, or carrying objects, our daily activities can lead to inflammation of the tendons if we fail to allow proper healing time.

Therefore, it is crucial for us to be vigilant about any persistent wrist pain and to determine if it could be a symptom of De Quervain’s disease. Seeking medical advice is essential for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of De Quervain’s disease can vary, but here are some common indicators:

1. Pain around the thumb that worsens when twisting it towards the little finger.
2. Pain or severe discomfort when spreading fingers or extending the thumb.
3. Throbbing pain and a sensation of heat in the thumb area.
4. Inability to lift heavy objects, accompanied by pain when using the thumb for gripping.
5. Pain or discomfort when moving the wrist towards the little finger.
6. Initially, the pain may come and go, but over time it can escalate, extending from the wrist to the elbow, with occasional numbness.
7. Gradual increase in pain intensity until it becomes constant.

Treatment and Prevention Methods

The choice of treatment and prevention methods depends on the severity of the symptoms. In the early stages, minimizing wrist usage and giving it time to heal is advisable. Applying a cold compress can also help reduce swelling. Regular physical therapy that includes gentle stretches and movements in the thumb area can relax the muscles and improve tendon function, thus reducing inflammation.

If the pain worsens, over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can provide relief. Additionally, using a wrist strap for support during activities that require wrist movement can be beneficial. However, if the pain persists and significantly affects everyday life, it is crucial to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan.

In some cases, if all other treatment methods fail to alleviate symptoms, the doctor may consider steroid injections. However, if the disease becomes chronic despite these efforts, surgery may be necessary, although this decision is made on an individual basis after thorough discussion between the doctor and the patient.

Conclusion

De Quervain’s disease is not limited to young mothers; it can affect anyone, including office workers with repetitive wrist movements. Recognizing the early signs and seeking timely medical attention is crucial for preventing the condition from worsening. By following the recommended treatment and prevention methods, individuals can alleviate pain, restore wrist function, and improve their overall quality of life.

By prioritizing the health of our wrists and being mindful of proper usage, we can minimize the risk of developing De Quervain’s disease and ensure a pain-free work routine.

[Feature Image by @krakenimages.com/freepik]

Who said that De Gauvin’s disease only happens to young mothers who have to carry their babies a lot? Office workers like us can also get this disease. If we don’t use our wrists with care and caution!

De Quervain’s disease or “Tendon sheath disease of the wrist” It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the tendon and tendon sheath in the thumb. When we move our thumb or move our wrist, we feel pain near the base of the thumb. Clenching a fist hurts, twisting our wrist hurts. In the early stages, it usually comes and goes, but if left chronic and not treated properly, it will spread and cause pain to reach the elbow and cause numbness in the arm.

Photo by @jcomp/freepik

In most cases, this disease stems from many causes. Mostly o Using your wrists too much Accidentally sprained wrist If you fall, use your wrists to support the ground. Using the wrist in the same position repeatedly for a long time, typing all day Continuous use of a smartphone for several days, including postpartum mothers whose hormones fluctuate and use their wrists frequently to carry their babies to breastfeed without stopping

Read this far. You should be able to guess, right, why office workers are at risk of getting this disease? Because every day We use our wrists. heavy From typing work, carrying things, picking up a smartphone, playing games, to various activities. in everyday life When the wrist is not given time to heal, the various tendons become inflamed, causing disease.

Let’s try to examine ourselves seriously. The wrist that hurts every day, chronic pain that does not go away, is this a symptom of De Cavin?

Photo by Christin Hume/unsplash

Symptoms of de Gauvin disease