Decron syndrome (De Quervain tenosynovitis) is a painful disease that affects the tendons of the thumb. Usually, people who suffer from this condition will feel pain during activities such as turning the wrist, punching, grabbing objects, etc. This disease occurs when the tendons and the sheath around them in the wrist area become inflamed or thickened. Such inflammation can lead to pain and reduced ability to perform simple movements such as grasping objects or turning the wrist. Although the exact cause of this syndrome is not known; But any repetitive activity in the wrist exposes people to this complication. For example, activities such as gardening, lifting a child, sports exercises such as playing with a racket, etc. can play a role. What are the symptoms? Symptoms you may experience due to Decron syndrome are as follows: - You feel pain and swelling near the base of the thumb. - You have trouble moving your thumb and grasping objects. - Clicking or locking of the tendons when you are moving your thumb or wrist. If this disease continues without treatment and is prolonged, the feeling of pain will also spread to the forearm. In such a situation, you will feel more pain by moving your thumb and wrist. What is the cause of Decron's syndrome? This complication involves the tendon of the thumb on the side of the wrist. Tendons have a rope-like structure that connects muscle to bone. Usually, this condition is caused by excessive activity, such as repeating a certain movement, which may irritate the lining around the tendons. In case of irritation, the tendons may become thick and swollen, such conditions will limit the movement of the tendons. Other effective factors in causing this complication are as follows: - inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis - direct injury to the wrist and creating a scar (restricts the movement of the tendon) - Fluid retention following changes such as hormonal changes in pregnancy familiarity with risk factors The factors that increase the possibility of this complication are as follows: ### age People between the ages of 30 and 50 are more exposed to this complication. ### Gender This syndrome has been observed more in women than in men. This situation can also be related to pregnancy. ### Child care People who are always taking care of children, lifting the child frequently increases the possibility of getting this condition. ### due to job or daily activities People who perform repetitive activities with their hands and wrists during the day are at risk of developing this syndrome. Read more: Skiers Thumb Treatment What are the side effects? If this disease is not treated or you do not receive treatment to control your symptoms, it is possible to develop such problems: - Decreased hand and wrist function - Weakness and inability to grasp objects - spreading pain to other areas - Permanent change in the tendon and its sheath - Possibility of damage to nearby nerves - Experience of surgical complications (if surgery is required) Is there a way to prevent it? The best solution you can consider to prevent this complication is to avoid excessive and repeated activity with your hand and pay attention to these things: - Pay attention to the correct techniques of the movements you make with your hands. - To avoid sports injuries, try new exercises. - If you have to do repetitive activities, give your hand a break. - When you feel pain in your thumb and wrist area, do not do any activity with your hand. - Give your body a chance to rest and recover after intense activity. How is it diagnosed? A pain specialist first performs a physical examination to diagnose this condition in order to understand the patient's condition. One of the common tests used to diagnose this disease is the Finkelstein test. In this test, the patient should bend his thumb inside the palm and bend the fingers of his other hands on the thumb. If such a condition causes pain in your thumb, the complication of Decron's syndrome will be diagnosed. Usually, this complication does not require imaging photos to diagnose this complication. What treatment methods are there? The aim of treating this condition is to reduce inflammation, maintain movement in the finger and also prevent the recurrence of this condition. If treated in time, symptoms will improve within 4 to 6 weeks. If this syndrome starts in pregnancy, the symptoms will definitely improve by the end of pregnancy or breastfeeding. ### Drug therapy The doctor prescribes medicine to reduce pain and swelling. Your doctor may recommend steroid injections into the tendon to reduce swelling. If you receive treatment within the first six months of the onset of symptoms, they usually resolve completely with one course of injections. The treatment recommendations that are suggested to patients to improve this condition are as follows: - Keep your thumb or wrist immobile using a splint or brace to rest the tendons. - Avoid repetitive activities in the affected area as much as possible. - Place a cold compress on the affected area. - Use a physiotherapist to do exercises to improve your hand. ### Surgery In more serious cases, the patient may need surgery. If necessary, the patient performs the surgery on an outpatient basis. ### home remedies Home treatment tips that help to cure this condition are as follows: - Avoid frequent wrist movement. - Use a brace or splint if the doctor decides. - Do the recommended exercises regularly. Avoid activities that lead to pain, swelling, numbness in the wrist and thumb. How long after treatment will I feel better? The feeling of recovery after treatment can be different for each person depending on their condition. Some people need to use a splint or brace for a few weeks. The tips are that you cannot start your physical activities until your doctor has given you permission, even if you feel better and comfortable. If you put too much pressure on your tendons before they are fully healed, you are more likely to re-injury them. After how long will I be treated? After the diagnosis of this disease, it usually takes a few weeks for the tendons to heal. The treatment process usually depends on the cause of the complication as well as the severity of the symptoms. If this complication is not treated, what will happen? This disease can be easily treated and will be resolved in a short period of time; But if you do not take treatment, you will definitely suffer from complications and you will also need surgery. If you put too much pressure on the tendons in your hand after developing symptoms of Decron's syndrome, it may tear your tendon sheath or tendon. In some cases, people who are not paying attention to the treatment may lose their function or range of motion in the hand and wrist area. Is physiotherapy effective in the treatment of Decron's syndrome? Yes, physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve movements by strengthening and stretching wrist muscles and tendons. You should do stretching and strengthening exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist.