Mommy's Thumb: Healing Time and Potential Aftereffects

De Quervain's tenosynovitis

Dear Vice Dean Sun,
I sought medical attention due to hand pain and was diagnosed with "mommy's thumb" (de Quervain's tenosynovitis).
Since the condition is not severe, the doctor only prescribed oral medication.
However, after taking the medication for eight days without improvement, I do not plan to continue.
How long does natural healing typically take, and will there be any long-term effects? Thank you!

Jingjing, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/04/02

Dr. Sun Ruisheng reply Orthopedics

The diagnosis and treatment of De Quervain's tenosynovitis (commonly referred to as "mommy's thumb") typically involve the use of oral medications for symptom control when the condition is not severe.
If there is no improvement, the physician may consider local corticosteroid injections as an alternative treatment.
Generally, symptoms can be managed effectively, and most patients recover without any long-term complications.
Only a small percentage of patients may require surgical intervention.

Reply Date: 2004/04/02

More Info

"Mommy's Thumb," medically known as De Quervain's tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It is characterized by pain and swelling near the base of the thumb, often making it difficult to grip or pinch. This condition is particularly common among new mothers, hence the nickname, but it can affect anyone who performs repetitive wrist and thumb movements.

The healing time for De Quervain's tenosynovitis can vary significantly from person to person. Generally, with appropriate treatment, symptoms may improve within a few weeks to several months. However, if the condition is not addressed, it can persist for a longer duration. Factors that influence healing time include the severity of the condition, the effectiveness of the treatment, and the individual's overall health and activity level.

In your case, since you have been taking oral medication for eight days without improvement, it may be beneficial to explore additional treatment options. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and pain, but if they are not effective, other interventions may be necessary. These can include:
1. Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain is crucial. This may involve modifying how you perform daily tasks to reduce strain on the affected tendons.

2. Splinting: Wearing a splint that immobilizes the thumb and wrist can help reduce strain on the tendons, allowing them to heal. This is often recommended for several weeks.

3. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the wrist and thumb, improve flexibility, and promote healing. They may also use modalities like ultrasound or ice therapy to alleviate pain.

4. Corticosteroid Injections: If conservative treatments do not provide relief, corticosteroid injections into the tendon sheath can help reduce inflammation and pain.

5. Surgery: In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary to release the tendon sheath and alleviate pressure on the tendons.

As for potential aftereffects, most individuals recover fully from De Quervain's tenosynovitis with appropriate treatment. However, some may experience lingering discomfort or stiffness, particularly if the condition was severe or left untreated for an extended period. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications.

In conclusion, while natural healing can occur, it is essential to actively manage the condition to facilitate recovery and minimize the risk of chronic issues. If symptoms persist or worsen, consider consulting with a healthcare professional who specializes in musculoskeletal conditions for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan.

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