How Is de Quervains Disease Treated?
Treatment of de Quervain’s usually involves wearing a splint 24 hours a day for four to six weeks to immobilize the affected area and refraining from any activities that aggravate the condition. Ice may be applied to reduce inflammation. If symptoms continue, your doctor may give you anti-inflammatory medication such as naproxen or ibuprofen or may inject the area with steroids to decrease pain and swelling. If de Quervain’s disease does not respond to conservative medical treatment, surgery may be recommended. Surgical release of the tight covering of the tendon eliminates the friction that causes inflammation, restoring the tendons’ smooth gliding capability. Surgery for de Quervain’s disease is an outpatient procedure. After surgery, your doctor will recommend an exercise program to strengthen your thumb and wrist. Recovery times vary, depending on your age, general health, and how long the symptoms have been present. In people whose disease has developed gradually, de Quervain’s is
