What Happens if Thumb Tendonitis Goes Untreated?
The symptoms of thumb tendonitis (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis) can sneak up on you, as they are often mild at first and gradually worsen. However, leaving your tendonitis untreated can lead to severe damage that limits your mobility and take months to recover. At Medici Spine & Pain, we offer effective treatments for relief and recovery of thumb function for our patients with this condition.
What is Thumb Tendonitis?
Thumb tendonitis is an inflammation of the lower thumb and wrist tendons. The base of the thumb contains a narrow tunnel where tendons pass through, connecting the joint of the thumb to the wrist. If these tendons are inflamed and rub against the narrow tunnel, it causes pain at the thumb and into the lower arm base.
Symptoms include:
- Pain or sensitivity in your thumb or interior side of the wrist
- A snapping or popping feeling when moving the thumb
- Increased pain when moving or gripping the thumb
- Pain spreading from the thumb up the wrist and forearm
While thumb tendonitis can affect anyone, it affects women more than men. Women are 8 to ten times more likely to be affected by the condition.
Common causes of thumb tendonitis include:
- Repetitive and chronic overuse of the thumb or wrist
- Hobbies like painting, gardening or racket sports
- Jobs that involve repetitive tasks such as typing
- Gaming devices
- A direct blow to the thumb
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammation is the main cause of thumb tendonitis symptoms. Therefore, keep in mind to load up on anti-inflammatory foods and eliminate inflammatory foods. In addition, treatments that relieve the inflammation on the thumb tendons can reduce symptoms.
What Happens When Thumb Tendonitis Goes Untreated?
Many cases of thumb tendonitis respond well to treatment. However, it’s essential to treat it sooner rather than later, as it can lead to a whirlwind of complications. If this condition isn’t treated, it can permanently limit your movement, affecting your ability to perform daily tasks like brushing your hair, eating, dressing or watering plants. In addition, untreated tendonitis can leave the affected tendon weak and become prone to tears and rupture. Unfortunately, a ruptured tendon requires surgery.
Treating Thumb Tendonitis in Georgia
If you have thumb tendonitis and it’s not healing with rest, contact our Medici Spine & Pain team or visit one of our locations in the greater Atlanta area. Steroid injections or a local anesthetic into the tendon sheath, immobilizing the thumb, and other treatments can help improve your condition. We can create a treatment plan to relieve your pain and strengthen your gripping function. Please don’t wait till it’s too late. We can book your appointment today!
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Phone: (844) 328-4624