De Quervain’s tenosynovitis can be brought on by simple strain injury to the extensor pollicus longus tendon. Typical causes include stresses such as lifting young children into car seats, lifting heavy grocery bags by the loops, while playing tennis/badminton and lifting gardening pots up and into place. -Read More Here
Finklestein test is one of the diagnostic procedure for De Quervains tenosynovitis. This test places stress on the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brives by placing the thumb into the palm of a fist then ulnarly deviating the wrist. Mild De quervains may present with pain only on resisted thumb meta carpal joint extension.
In acute stage physiotherapy treatments are splints to support the thumb and the wrist in functional position, identify the aggravating activities and suggest alternative postures to avoid this movements. Massage transversely over the tendon. Instruct the patient to do tendon-gliding exercise to prevent adhesions.
Cryotherapy is advised (eg, cold packs, ice massage) to reduce the inflammation and edema. Phonophoresis with Ultrasonic massage using non steroidal anti- inflammatory gel or Iontophoreis. suggesting activity modifications for reduce the stress and strain over the tendons.