How to Wrap a Wrist for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons located on the thumb side of the wrist. It specifically involves two tendons, the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis, which help move the thumb away from the hand and extend it. These tendons normally glide smoothly through a protective sheath, but with De Quervain’s, this sheath can become irritated, thickened, and swollen, restricting their movement and causing pain. This article provides practical guidance on properly wrapping the wrist to help manage the symptoms of this condition.

Why Wrist Wrapping Helps

Wrist wrapping, or immobilization through splinting or bracing, can reduce the symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis by limiting movement of the affected tendons. The primary goal is to provide rest to the irritated tendons and their surrounding sheath, which helps decrease friction and inflammation. By restricting specific wrist and thumb movements that typically aggravate the condition, wrapping can alleviate pain and promote healing. This support reduces the strain on the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons, allowing them to recover from overuse or irritation.

Gathering Your Wrapping Supplies

To effectively wrap your wrist for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, you will need specific materials. Elastic bandages are a common choice due to their adjustable compression, allowing for a snug but not overly tight fit. Alternatively, athletic tape or kinesiology tape, such as RockTape or KT Tape, can provide stronger support and are designed to move with the body. Kinesiology tape often features a more user-friendly application compared to traditional rigid splints. You may also require scissors to cut the tape or bandage to the appropriate length and shape.

Step-by-Step Wrist Wrapping Guide

Preparation

Before starting, ensure your hand and wrist are clean and dry, free from lotions or creams, as these can affect tape adhesion. Begin by positioning your wrist in a neutral or slightly extended position, with your thumb gently extended.

Kinesiology Tape Application

If using kinesiology tape, a common technique involves cutting a strip of tape to run from the base of the thumbnail back towards the forearm, often with a slight stretch applied over the painful area near the base of the thumb. For the first piece of tape, anchor one end without tension just below the thumbnail, then gently pull the tape with about 30-50% stretch over the painful area on the thumb side of the wrist, extending it towards the outside of the elbow. Ensure the tape is smoothed down along its path to activate the adhesive. A second, shorter piece of tape can then be applied horizontally over the most painful spot on the wrist, specifically the first dorsal compartment where the tendons are constricted. This shorter piece is often applied with a 50% stretch in the center, with the ends laid down without tension.

Elastic Bandage Application

When wrapping with an elastic bandage, start by wrapping around the wrist just below the thumb, creating an anchor. Then, create a figure-eight pattern by bringing the bandage around the thumb and back around the wrist to provide support and restrict thumb movement. Overlap each layer by about half the width of the bandage to ensure consistent pressure. Finish by securing the end of the bandage with clips or tape.

Key Considerations for Effective Wrapping

When wrapping your wrist, maintaining proper tightness is important. The wrap should feel firm and supportive, but never so tight that it causes numbness, tingling, increased pain, or discoloration of the fingers. If you notice any of these signs, loosen the wrap immediately.

The duration of wear depends on your activity level and symptoms; it is generally recommended to wear the wrap during activities that aggravate your pain rather than continuously. For hygiene, it is important to remove the wrap regularly to clean and dry the skin underneath, especially if using an elastic bandage. This prevents skin irritation and allows the skin to breathe. Continuously monitor your symptoms while wearing the wrap; if your pain worsens or new symptoms develop, adjust the wrap or seek professional medical advice.

Beyond Wrapping: When to Seek Professional Advice

While wrist wrapping can effectively support symptom management for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, it is not a cure and should be part of a broader treatment plan. Consulting a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or physical therapist, is important for an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment strategy. They can confirm the condition and rule out other potential causes of wrist pain.

Other non-surgical treatments commonly recommended include rest, applying ice to the affected area, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy exercises may also be prescribed to improve strength and range of motion once initial pain has subsided. In some cases, corticosteroid injections directly into the tendon sheath can provide significant pain relief. Persistent pain or worsening symptoms despite conservative measures warrant immediate medical attention, as a healthcare provider can assess whether further intervention is necessary.