Osteoartritis
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What Is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It occurs when the two tendons that extend the thumb become inflamed or their surrounding sheath thickens, creating friction and swelling. The hallmark symptom is sharp pain at the base of the thumb that worsens with gripping, pinching, wringing, or turning the wrist.
The condition is common among new parents (sometimes called "mommy thumb"), people who perform repetitive hand motions, and individuals with inflammatory arthritis. Daily tasks such as opening jars, turning door handles, and lifting objects become painful.
Standard treatment begins with rest, splinting, and anti-inflammatory medication. Cortisone injections are often the next step and provide relief for many patients, but a significant number experience recurrence. When cortisone fails, surgical release of the tendon compartment is typically recommended.
How LDRT Treats De Quervain's
LDRT provides an intermediate option between cortisone injections that do not last and surgery you may not want. By directing a precise, low-energy beam of radiation at the inflamed tendon sheath, LDRT stimulates a sustained anti-inflammatory response that reduces swelling and allows the tendons to glide freely again.
Each treatment session takes only minutes, involves no needles or incisions, and requires no anesthesia. There is no recovery period, and you can resume normal activities immediately.
The mechanism is fundamentally different from cortisone. Rather than chemically suppressing inflammation for weeks or months, LDRT triggers a biological change in the tissue that promotes longer-term resolution.
Who Is a Candidate for LDRT?
You may benefit from LDRT for De Quervain's if you have already tried conservative measures without success. Ideal candidates include patients who:
- Received cortisone injections that provided only partial or temporary relief
- Wore a thumb spica splint for weeks without meaningful improvement
- Tried PRP or other regenerative injections without resolution
- Want to avoid De Quervain's release surgery
- Have the condition in both wrists and prefer a non-invasive approach
Heelex Surprise is one of the few clinics in the Phoenix metro area offering LDRT for musculoskeletal conditions. We see patients from across the Valley who are looking for an alternative to surgery.
What to Expect
You will begin with a consultation where we assess your wrist, review prior treatments, and confirm your diagnosis. If LDRT is appropriate, you will complete approximately six treatment sessions over two to three weeks.
Each visit is quick and comfortable. The radiation is delivered to the thumb side of your wrist with pinpoint accuracy. There is no pain during treatment. Most patients report gradual improvement in grip strength and reduction in pain over the weeks following their final session.
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**Do not let De Quervain's keep you from using your hands.**