De quervains how long to heal

Another cause of this condition is local trauma for example a blow to the thumb side of the wrist. We will talk about your treatment options, including their risks and side effects, during our initial consultation.

The operation is performed under local or general anaesthetic. During the procedure, I make a small incision of about cm along the thumb side of your forearm, towards the wrist. The tendon sheath is divided and explored.

By dividing the sheath, I give your tendons plenty of room to move, preventing pain from forcing the tendons through the swollen tunnel. As the final part of the procedure, your wound is sutured. This can reduce stress on your wrist. He or she can also teach you exercises to strengthen your muscles.

Most people notice improvement after 4 to 6 weeks of treatment. They are able to use their hands and wrists without pain once the swelling is gone. During outpatient surgery, the surgeon makes a small cut in the sheath around the swollen tendons. This provides more room for the tendons to move. After surgery, you will need to do physical therapy to strengthen your wrist and thumb.

This will help keep the problem from coming back. Once the area has healed and returned to full strength, you should have normal use of your hand.

It generally responds well to treatment. Once your symptoms are better, work to prevent the condition from happening again. This article was contributed by: familydoctor.

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful disorder that occurs when the tissues in your wrist get swollen or inflamed…. Complex regional pain syndrome CRPS is a chronic pain condition. It can occur after an injury.

It usually affects…. Top of the page. Your Recovery De Quervain's say "duh-kair-VAZ" tendon release is surgery to reduce pressure on a tendon that runs along the side of the wrist near the thumb. How can you care for yourself at home? Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover. Try to walk each day. Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk. For 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, avoid using your hand.

This includes lifting things heavier than 0. Do not use power tools, and avoid other activities that make your hand vibrate. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. You may be able to go back to work 1 or 2 days after surgery. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel. You may shower, but do not get your hand wet until your doctor says it is okay. Keep the bandage dry by covering it with plastic.

Do not take a bath, swim, use a hot tub, or soak your hand until your doctor says it is okay. You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.

Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. He or she will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines. If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if and when to start taking it again. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.

If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. Gardeners, tennis players, golfers, and heavy-lifters can develop a painful condition that irritates the side of your wrist where you thumb rests. These include:. As the condition progresses, you may get pain that radiates into your forearm or just farther into your thumb. Repetitive movement irritates the sheath, or covering, around these tendons. The area swells and thickens, restricting movement.