DeQuervain’s Syndrome is, of course, named after the doctor who “discovered” it. It is said to be a “Tenosynovitis” (inflammation of the synovium or mucous-like “sheath” that covers the tendons). After ten years of treating this stuff, I would say that I really do not care what sort of fancy names you want to call it, it is essentially a TENDINOSIS of two muscles —– Extensor Pollicus Brevis & Abductor Pollicus Longus.
Note the two thumb tendons. You can see from the picture that these tendons have a "mucoid" or mucous-like sheath around them. When the tendons or the sheaths get irritated, you are said to have DeQervain's Syndrome
DeQuervain’s Syndrome occurs at an area that is known as “The Anatomical Snuff Box”. Let me explain. Spread your fingers as wide as you can possibly get them, and at the same time raise your fingers “up”. You can see the two thumb tendons mentioned above. There is a small grove between them that apparently used to be used to hold the pinch of snuff that men would snort up their noses.
The picture on the left shows the “Anatomical Snuffbox” and the picture on the right shows the test for DeQuervain’s Syndrome — Finklestein’s Test. Simply make the “thumb’s up” sign, grasp your thumb in your hand, and pull the thumb downward so as to stress or stretch the thumb tendons. If it hurts, you have it.
"The Anatomical Snuffbox"
Finklestein's Test
Plainly stated, I have had great results treating DeQuervain’s Syndrome over the years. It is my opinion that it is nothing more than glorified tendinitis. My brother and sister-in-law are both ER doctors at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas (She is department head). He struggled with DeQuervain’s Syndrome for about a year. We met in K.C. for a weekend at Great Wolf Lodge, where I was able to work on him. You can read his comment on our testimonial page. One treatment and he is 95% improved!
For more information, please see our page on TENDINOPATHY.
You should also check out our PATIENT TESTIMONIALS as well as our WEEKLY TREATMENT DIARY.
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