De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Treatment in Lagos
If you’re experiencing pain on the thumb side of your wrist, especially when gripping, lifting, or carrying objects, you may have De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. This common condition affects the tendons that control thumb movement and can make everyday activities such as opening jars, lifting a baby, typing, or using a smartphone painful.
At Mobility Physiotherapy Clinic, we provide evidence-based De Quervain’s tenosynovitis treatment in Lagos, helping patients reduce pain, restore thumb and wrist function, and return to their daily activities without surgery whenever possible.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Lagos
What Is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is an inflammation or irritation of the tendon sheath surrounding two tendons on the thumb side of the wrist—the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB).
When these tendons become irritated, moving the thumb can be painful because they no longer glide smoothly through their sheath.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Lagos
Symptoms of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Common symptoms include:
- Pain on the thumb side of the wrist
- Swelling near the base of the thumb
- Pain when gripping or pinching
- Difficulty lifting objects
- Pain while twisting the wrist
- Clicking or catching sensation during thumb movement
- Reduced thumb strength
- Pain that may spread into the forearm
Symptoms often worsen with repetitive hand and thumb movements.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Lagos
What Causes De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
The condition is commonly associated with repetitive use of the thumb and wrist.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive lifting
- Frequent texting or smartphone use
- Typing for long periods
- Carrying young children
- Gardening
- Racquet sports
- Manual work
- Repetitive gripping activities
It may also develop after a direct injury or during pregnancy and the postpartum period due to hormonal changes and repetitive infant care.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Lagos
Who Is at Risk?
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Frequently use your hands for repetitive tasks
- Have recently become a parent
- Perform manual labour
- Work at a computer for extended periods
- Play sports involving repetitive wrist movements
- Are between 30 and 50 years old
How Is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Diagnosed?
At Mobility Physiotherapy Clinic, diagnosis involves:
- Detailed medical history
- Thumb and wrist examination
- Assessment of pain and movement
- Grip strength testing
- Functional assessment
Your physiotherapist may perform the Finkelstein test, a commonly used clinical test that helps identify De Quervain’s tenosynovitis when interpreted alongside your symptoms and examination findings.
Imaging such as ultrasound may occasionally be recommended if the diagnosis is uncertain or another condition is suspected.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Lagos
Physiotherapy for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Physiotherapy is an effective conservative treatment for many patients and aims to reduce pain, improve tendon function, and prevent recurrence.
Pain Management
Early treatment focuses on reducing pain and irritation through:
- Activity modification
- Education
- Ice therapy (when appropriate)
- Pain-relieving modalities where indicated
Thumb Splinting
A thumb spica splint may be recommended to reduce stress on the affected tendons and allow healing while maintaining function.
Ergonomic Advice
We provide practical advice on reducing strain during daily activities, including:
- Safe lifting techniques
- Workplace ergonomics
- Keyboard and mouse positioning
- Smartphone use
- Child lifting techniques for new parents
Manual Therapy
Hands-on treatment may help:
- Improve soft tissue mobility
- Reduce muscle tightness
- Improve joint mobility
- Decrease pain
Therapeutic Exercises
Once pain begins to improve, your physiotherapist will introduce exercises to:
- Improve thumb mobility
- Strengthen the thumb and wrist
- Improve grip strength
- Restore tendon function
- Improve coordination
Exercises are progressed gradually to avoid overloading the healing tendons.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Lagos
Benefits of Physiotherapy
A structured rehabilitation program can help you:
- Reduce thumb and wrist pain
- Improve grip strength
- Restore thumb movement
- Improve hand function
- Return to work safely
- Resume sports and hobbies
- Reduce the risk of recurrence
When Is an Injection or Surgery Needed?
Many people improve with physiotherapy, splinting, and activity modification. If symptoms persist despite appropriate conservative treatment, your doctor may discuss a corticosteroid injection. Surgery is usually reserved for patients whose symptoms continue after non-surgical treatment.
If surgery is required, physiotherapy plays an important role in restoring movement, strength, and function during recovery.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Lagos
Why Choose Mobility Physiotherapy Clinic?
Patients choose us because we provide:
- Experienced physiotherapists
- Evidence-based hand and wrist rehabilitation
- Personalized treatment plans
- One-on-one physiotherapy sessions
- Modern rehabilitation equipment
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Home physiotherapy services across Lagos
- Patient education to prevent recurrence
Our goal is to help you recover quickly while restoring comfortable, pain-free use of your hand.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Lagos
Frequently Asked Questions
Can De Quervain’s tenosynovitis heal without surgery?
Yes. Many patients recover with physiotherapy, splinting, activity modification, and a gradual exercise program. Surgery is usually considered only when conservative treatment has not been successful.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the condition and how early treatment begins. Many patients notice improvement within several weeks, although full recovery may take longer.
Is exercise safe?
Yes, when prescribed by a physiotherapist. Exercises should be introduced gradually to avoid aggravating the irritated tendons.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Lagos
Can I continue working?
Many people can continue working with temporary activity modifications. Your physiotherapist can advise on safe ways to perform your job while protecting your wrist.
Do you provide splinting advice?
Yes. We assess whether a thumb spica splint is appropriate and provide guidance on its correct use alongside your rehabilitation program.
Book De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Treatment in Lagos
If thumb or wrist pain is affecting your work, sports, or daily activities, early treatment can prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
At Mobility Physiotherapy Clinic, we provide comprehensive physiotherapy for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, combining pain management, manual therapy, strengthening exercises, and ergonomic advice to help you recover and prevent recurrence.
Book your assessment today and take the first step toward pain-free thumb and wrist movement.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment in Lagos