F.A.O Squad.....if your not too busy?

[icemaiden]

I was diagnosed in October with de quervain's tenosynovitis which is exremely painful. At first my Gp gave me anti-inflammatory cream to apply along with oral ibruprofen, but this did not make a difference.

He then referred me to a Physio which I have been seeing for about three months now. I have been placing cold peas on it daily as well as small stretch exercises that I do, but apart from that he doesnt really do much except ask me how it is, then nods a lot and tells me to wear the splint. But the pain is worse than ever and it is not getting better. My doctor wasn't keen on cortisone injections, he claims that they do not work well with this problem. So I really do not know what to do.

I am afraid that surgery is my only option but I cannot afford to take time off work. I have a very physical demanding job and I know with surgery it will be a long time until I can work again.

Are you able to advise me any further? Shall I return to my gp and see what he says?

Many thanks for your time.

[Sqad]

Ice....painful.

You now basically have 2 choices:

a) Injection of Hydrocortisone
b) Decompression surgery.

You haven't time for the operation which only leaves Injection. I am not sure that I would entirely agree with your Dr. about the failings of injections around the area and I haven't got the statistics for success. If I have time Ice I will try and find some trials for you.

Go back to your GP and say that you would like to try the local injections of steroid.

[Sqad]

Just found it......about 85% cure rate with injection of steroid.

http://www.jabfm.org/cgi/reprint/16/2/102.pdf

[icemaiden]

I am not sure why he is against them either.

You are an absolute star!
I will give it a read now.

Many thanks

[Sqad]

Ice.....just read RESULTS section in the paper.

[icemaiden]

Wow! Thats a great percentage rate. Very interesting read. Thank you Squad.
Me thinks I will return to my Gp. I can't bear the pain any longer.
Thanks again