Diagnosing de Quervain’s Syndrome
It is usually easy to diagnose and one of the best ways to make the diagnosis is the Finklestein Test.
You can do the Finklestein Test yourself by bending your thumb into the palm and grasping the thumb with your fingers making a fist with the thumb inside. Then bend your wrist away from your thumb. If you feel pain over the tendons to the thumb, your problem may be de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a doctor can help you with this diagnosis.De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects two thumb tendons. These tendons are called the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB). Inflammation here can lead to swelling, which hampers the smooth gliding action of the tendons.
Research into the Effectiveness of de Quervain’s Syndrome Shockwave Treatment
In a Clinical Trial the results of which were published in January 2021 in the SHIRAZ E-MEDICAL JOURNAL the author’s concluded:
“Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a safe and easy method to reduce pain and enhance upper extremity functions and hand-grip strength in patients with de Quervain tenosynovitis.”
What Happens During Shockwave Therapy for de Quervain’s Syndrome?
We will isolate the area that needs to be treated, then using our focussed shockwave equipment we will start sending gentle impulses to the area. The shockwave treatment will bring new blood vessels into the damaged tendons and healing begins to occur. Discomfort will be kept to a minimum and gradually the impulses will become more intense, although little pain will be felt and if it is it will gradually dissipate over a few days.