De Quervains Tenosynovitis

[bellajchipperfield]

Hello all!

I have been working as a professional harpist for around 12 years and have recently given birth to my first baby.

During pregnancy I began having wrist and thumb pain, then weakness and more severe pain and lack of movement.

I was diagnosed by both a GP and Physiotherapist with De Quervains Tenosynovitis and they both said that being a harpist most likely added to the problem.

I have had steroid injections in both wrists which provided some much needed relief but they seem to have only temporarily masked the problem. My son is now 6 months old and I still can’t physically play even if I wanted to. (Daily tasks are also painful and difficult).

I have been advised not to play until I have seen a hand / wrist surgeon and I am beginning to worry about playing in the future or if I will be able to .

Has anyone else here experienced severe De Quervains?

Thank you all so much for your advice.

Warm wishes

Bella

[catherine-rogers]

So sorry you’re having this problem. Everyone’s experience is different, but here is mine in case it’s helpful. I had De Quervains about 20 years ago in one wrist. (I think I strained it loading the harp.) I could play but doing other things was difficult, and it did not get better with time. Finally went to a hand specialist who gave cortisone in the wrist and it helped within a couple days. My doctor said get a spica wrist splint. It immobilizes the thumb and wrist. I keep one for each hand and wear it whenever I feel some pain beginning. You can’t play while wearing it, but you can do other things. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion in case there is some other issue, and get as much help as you can with daily activities to rest your wrists. Wishing you all the best!

[bellajchipperfield]

Thank you for such a thoughtful reply, Catherine!

I am sorry to hear you had it too…

I have tried splints and had injections in both wrists but as nothing is improving I have been referred to see a surgeon for Tendon release surgery. So fingers crossed!

I do hope you’re stays at bay. I did also get some interesting advice from a GP that when De Quervains flairs up, sometimes you can ‘blast’ the inflammation by taking ibuprofen three times a day for three days. He said to try this every few weeks and see if anything changes.

Very best of luck with yours and thank you again! X

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