How to prepare for a video visit about De Quervain Tenosynovitis

Audience: adult

De Quervain Tenosynovitis is a condition that causes pain and swelling near the base of your thumb. It happens when the tendons around your thumb become irritated or inflamed. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you discuss your symptoms, learn about treatment options, and get advice on managing the condition. Preparing well for your telemedicine appointment can make the visit more effective. This includes knowing when your symptoms started, what activities make the pain worse, and having your affected hand ready to show on camera. While many cases can be managed with rest, splints, or medication, some may require in-person care or further tests. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful first step but not a replacement for urgent or emergency care if your symptoms worsen or new problems arise.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain that does not improve with rest or medication — seek urgent medical evaluation.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand or fingers — may indicate nerve involvement needing prompt care.
• Sudden swelling, redness, or warmth around the wrist or thumb — signs of possible infection requiring immediate attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to De Quervain Tenosynovitis.
• Observing hand and wrist movements to assess pain and function.
• Providing advice on rest, splinting, exercises, and over-the-counter medications.
• Monitoring symptom progress and adjusting management plans.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical treatments such as injections or surgery.
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds directly.
• Diagnosing or managing severe complications or infections.
• Providing emergency care for sudden worsening symptoms.

What is De Quervain Tenosynovitis?

De Quervain Tenosynovitis is a condition where the tendons around the base of your thumb become inflamed. This causes pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your thumb and wrist. It often happens due to repetitive hand or wrist movements, such as lifting, gripping, or twisting. The pain may worsen when you try to grasp or pinch objects.

How to prepare for your video visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, gather information about your symptoms. Note when the pain started, how often it occurs, and what activities make it better or worse. Have your affected hand and wrist ready to show on camera. Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your healthcare provider.

What to expect during the video visit

During the video call, your provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may ask you to perform simple hand and wrist movements to observe pain or swelling. Based on this, they can suggest treatment options or recommend further tests. They may also advise on exercises, splints, or medications to help reduce inflammation and pain.

When telemedicine is helpful and when to seek in-person care

Telemedicine can help you get advice on managing mild to moderate symptoms of De Quervain Tenosynovitis. It is useful for follow-up visits and discussing treatment progress. However, if your pain is severe, if you notice numbness, weakness, or sudden swelling, or if symptoms do not improve with initial treatment, an in-person visit may be necessary for further evaluation and possible imaging or procedures.

Tips for managing symptoms at home

To ease symptoms, try resting your thumb and wrist and avoid activities that cause pain. Using a splint or brace may help support your thumb. Applying ice packs can reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers may provide relief. Your healthcare provider can guide you on safe exercises to improve flexibility and strength.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place with a stable internet connection for your video visit.
• Have your affected hand and wrist ready to show on camera.
• Note when your symptoms started and what activities affect your pain.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Have a list of current medications and any previous treatments tried.
• Ensure your device’s camera and microphone are working properly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and advice provided by your healthcare provider.
• Use splints or braces as recommended to support your thumb and wrist.
• Perform any prescribed exercises to improve movement and reduce pain.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as advised, either via telemedicine or in-person.
• Seek immediate care if you experience red-flag symptoms.

FAQs

What causes De Quervain Tenosynovitis?

It is often caused by repetitive hand or wrist movements that strain the tendons around the thumb. Activities like lifting, gripping, or twisting can lead to irritation and inflammation.

Can I treat De Quervain Tenosynovitis at home?

Mild symptoms may improve with rest, avoiding painful activities, using a splint, applying ice, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis and get personalized advice.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If your pain is severe, if you notice numbness or weakness, sudden swelling or redness, or if symptoms do not improve with initial treatment, you should seek in-person medical care for further evaluation.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for this condition?

Telemedicine is useful for initial consultations and follow-ups but cannot replace all in-person visits, especially when physical exams, imaging, or procedures are needed.

What treatments might my healthcare provider recommend?

They may suggest rest, splinting, exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, or in some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Sources

1. De Quervain Tenosynovitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: Clinical Features and Treatment — National Library of Medicine.
3. Hand and Wrist Pain — Mayo Clinic.
4. De Quervain's Tenosynovitis — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.