Hand laborers, mothers at risk for hand disease

Recently, de Quervain’s tendinitis awareness has increased due to modern-day repetitive hand and wrist activities such as computer and cell phone keyboarding. Mothers and those repetitively lifting children in carriers are also at risk.

These activities put a direct strain on the tendons of the wrist and hand, leading to pain from tendon damage.

“Although this hand condition is not new, recent national media coverage has shed light on the condition that is commonly associated with those who frequently use their hands for their jobs, hobby or as new mothers lift their baby in a carrier,” explained Dr. Patrick Hurley at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists.

There is no proven cause of de Quervain’s tendinitis, although contributing factors are overuse, direct injury to thumb, repetitive grasping and some inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms include pain and swelling on the back of the thumb, pain associated with direct pressure and limited thumb and wrist movement.

Treatment may involve wearing a splint for four to six weeks to immobilize the thumb. Ice can reduce inflammation and pain.

If symptoms continue, a doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medication to decrease pain and swelling. If de Quervain’s tendinitis does not respond to conservative medical treatments, surgery may be considered as a last resort.

Heartland Orthopedic Specialists provides orthopedic care to residents of west central Minnesota. It specializes in sports medicine, procedures of all extremities and joint replacements and revisions.

For more information, call (320) 762-1144 or visit www.heartlandorthopedics.com.

Tags: business, health, tendinitis