This occurs when the sheath covering the tendons on the side of the thumb become thicker, when this happens is makes it harder for the tendons underneath to slide through, resulting in pain that is aggravated by using scissors, turning taps, texting etc.
Diagnosis is through our consultants taking your medical history, discussing your current symptoms and how they developed and physical examination of your thumb and wrist. You may also have an ultrasound scan.
Treatment options
Watch and wait: Milder cases may resolve after a few weeks, and most cases can resolve, but take some time to resolve.
Activity modification: Altering how your grip and carry out tasks causing pain.
Splints: Splints are beneficial for some, although there is no evidence they will relieve symptoms
Steroid injections: These can be provided in The Hand to Elbow Clinic (often at the same time as your consultation). Typically, these relieve the symptoms in the short term. If the symptoms respond well to the injection further injections may be provided in the future (but rarely more than 2-3 injections in total).
Surgery: Sometimes surgery is needed. Under local anaesthetic the roof of the tunnel is released to allow the tendons to glide. This is generally a successful operation.
Tell us about your problem
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