De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis can sideline the pickleball player

A common culprit behind thumb pain, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis can sideline even the most enthusiastic pickleball player.

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While pickleball can provide for a very active lifestyle, the repetitive movements can sometimes lead to unexpected aches.

Ahead is more about this condition, its symptoms, and strategies you can take to get you back on the court faster.

About De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects the tendons responsible for thumb movement and grip.

These tendons, located at the base of your thumb on the wrist side, become inflamed and irritated due to overuse, causing pain and discomfort.

Activities like gripping a pickleball paddle, lifting heavy objects, or even certain gardening tasks can trigger this condition.

Symptoms That Speak

The telltale signs of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include:

• Pain at the base of your thumb. Pain may also radiate along the thumb or up the forearm and is often aggravated by activities that involve gripping, grasping, or twisting motions especially when gripping or twisting your wrist.
  
• Tenderness and swelling: The area around your thumb may become sensitive to touch and appear slightly swollen. Inflammation of the tendons can lead to swelling and thickening of the tissues around the base of the thumb. Swelling may be visible and can contribute to discomfort and limited range of motion in the thumb and wrist.
  
• Difficulty gripping and pinching: Everyday tasks like opening jars or turning door knobs can become challenging.
  
• Weakness in your thumb: You might find holding heavier objects or maintaining a firm grip difficult.
  
• Difficulty with Thumb Movements: Individuals with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis may experience difficulty with thumb movements, particularly when performing actions that require abduction (movement away from the palm) and extension (straightening) of the thumb. Activities such as grasping objects, making a fist, or pinching may exacerbate symptoms.
  
• Crepitus: Some individuals with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis may experience crepitus, which is a crackling or grating sensation that occurs with movement of the thumb. Crepitus can occur due to friction between inflamed tendons and surrounding structures.
  
• Weakness: In severe cases, weakness in the thumb and wrist may be present, affecting grip strength and fine motor skills. Weakness may develop over time as inflammation and swelling worsen, leading to functional limitations in daily activities.

Putting the Pieces Together

While consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for diagnosis, self-awareness can be your first line of defense.

If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly after activities that strain your thumb, it’s time to seek medical advice.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and ensure a faster recovery.

Winning the Battle

Treatment for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis often involves a combination of therapies.

• Rest: Limiting activities that aggravate the inflammation is key.exclamation Take breaks from pickleball and adjust your daily tasks to avoid straining your thumb.
• Splinting: Wearing a thumb splint can help immobilize the area and reduce inflammation.
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medication can offer temporary relief from discomfort.
• Physical therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises prescribed by a therapist can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
• Corticosteroid injections: In severe cases, injections can provide targeted relief of inflammation.

Remember: Don’t underestimate the power of prevention! Practice proper form when playing pickleball. Here is more on 12 pickleball injury prevention tips.

Warm up before and cool down after, and listen to your body’s signals to avoid overuse injuries.

With awareness, early intervention, and the right treatment approach, you can conquer De Quervain’s tenosynovitis and return to enjoying your beloved pickleball game pain-free.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Resources

De Quervain’s Disease: A Discourse on Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment – PMC – NCBI

De Quervain’s Disease (DQD) is a condition that affects the tendons that control the movement of the thumb, specifically the abductor pollicis longus and

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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Happy People Pickleball

Happy People Pickleball is a Pickleball and lifestyle trends blog.
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After a successful professional decade in a sales and marketing career, Brigette transitioned into the role of a dedicated stay-at-home mom and a passionate community volunteer, supporting local educational foundations and non-profit organizations for the benefit of children and the community.

You can mostly catch Brigette driving her kids to school or walking her Boston Terrier, CC and always trying to play her next game of Pickleball. Connect with her on Facebook and Pinterest!

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