CHRISOFIX®

Do you have wrist pain? Do you suffer from De Quervain’s syndrome?

What is De Quervain’s syndrome?

Sharp pain, provoked by certain movements of the thumb may draw attention to De Quervain’s syndrome.The ligamentous tunnel located near the base of the thumb contains the tendons that extend lift the thumb. Over time wear and tear, repetitive motions of the thumb and wrist (i.e. repetitive lifting of heavy objects or a beloved child) lead to the narrowing or the development of a “stricture” in this ligamentous tunnel surrounding the tendons. This painful state is called De Quervain’s disease. Stress and strain, the use of computers and other electronic devices, housework, sporting activities and previous injuries may all play a role in the development of De Quervain’s syndrome.

De Quervain’s Syndrome is characterized by typical symptoms. It is important to recognize these symptoms in time and to take them seriously in order to retain pain free and adequate function of our hand.

Who is most often affected by De Quervain’s syndrome?

De Quervain’s yndrome is more common in women than it is in men. De Quervain’s syndrome may start around ages as young as 40, but most typically it becomes symptomatic around the age of 30-50. Often those caring for small children especially a newborn are affected by DeQuervain’s disease. Office work, or work involving fine but repetitive thumb motions and heavy physical labor may also lead to the development of this disease.

What are the most common symptoms of De Quervain’s syndrome?

The most common symptom accompanying De Quervain’s syndrome is sharp pain provoked by flexing/extending the thumb, or “sideway” motions of the wrist, strong grasping or pinching (writing, lifting a cup, turning a key, opening a bottle etc).  Another characteristic of De Quervain’s syndrome is that certain typical motions or movements provoke the pain (i.e.  twisting motion, unscrewing a cap, extending or stretching the thumb). Initially the pain is only associated with motion however, later on it may occur during rest or even during the night. Symptom free periods may alternate with periods of variable length characterized by pain and complaints due to symptoms.  It is also typical that the dull constant ache turns into a sharp pain provoked by the above described motions making everyday tasks or work difficult, even impossible in certain cases.

What can we do? How do Chrisofix® De Quervain’s orthoses help alleviate the problem?

The use of an adequate orthosis that keeps the painful tendons in the appropriate position plays a great role in the conservative (meaning without operation) treatment of DeQuervain’s syndrome. By wearing an adequate orthosis the bothersome or even painful symptoms occurring during the day (making everyday tasks highly uncomfortable and maybe even impossible) and those even during the night may be alleviated.

How long should we wear the orthosis?

Depending on the severity of the De Quervain’s syndrome and the symptoms themselves wearing the orthosis may be necessary for a few weeks but more commonly for a few months, therefore comfort stability and hygienic considerations are paramount.

Why Chrisofix® De Quervain orthosis?

In the conservative treatment of De Quervain’s syndrome (meaning without an operation) resting the painful and degenerated joint in the appropriate position is paramount. 

The innovative design of Chrisofix® De Quervain orthosis ensure exact and precise fitting thereby preventing unwanted and uncomfortable potential symptoms caused by ill-fitting orthoses (pain caused by pressure and symptoms of skin irritation).