How to prepare for a video visit about De Quervain Tenosynovitis

Audience: pediatric

De Quervain Tenosynovitis is a condition that causes pain and swelling near the base of the thumb. It happens when the tendons around the thumb become irritated or inflamed. This can make it hard and painful for children to move their thumb or wrist. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help understand the symptoms and discuss ways to ease the pain. During the visit, the provider will ask questions about the child's symptoms and may ask to see the thumb and wrist moved in certain ways. Preparing for the video visit can help make the appointment go smoothly. This guide explains how to get ready, what to expect during the visit, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, this information is for education and not a diagnosis. If your child has severe pain or other serious signs, seek in-person care promptly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain or sudden worsening of thumb or wrist pain — seek urgent in-person care.
• Redness, warmth, or swelling spreading beyond the thumb or wrist — possible infection needing prompt evaluation.
• Numbness, tingling, or loss of movement in the thumb or hand — requires immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of thumb and wrist pain symptoms.
• Guidance on home care measures like rest and gentle exercises.
• Advice on over-the-counter pain relief appropriate for children.
• Determining if further in-person evaluation or tests are needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical treatments like splinting or injections.
• Diagnosing complex or emergency conditions requiring hands-on examination.
• Managing severe infections or complications needing immediate care.

What is De Quervain Tenosynovitis?

De Quervain Tenosynovitis is when the tendons around the base of the thumb get irritated or swollen. This can cause pain, especially when moving the thumb or wrist. It often happens after repetitive hand or wrist movements. Children with this condition may have trouble gripping objects or using their thumb comfortably.

How a Video Visit Can Help

A video visit lets you talk with a healthcare provider without leaving home. The provider can ask about your child's symptoms, watch how the thumb and wrist move, and suggest ways to reduce pain. They may recommend rest, gentle exercises, or over-the-counter pain relief. Sometimes, they might suggest seeing a specialist or getting tests if needed.

Preparing for the Video Visit

Before the visit, gather information about your child's symptoms, such as when the pain started and what makes it better or worse. Have a quiet space with good lighting and a device with a camera ready. Be prepared to show the child's thumb and wrist moving during the call. Write down any questions you have to ask the provider.

What to Expect During the Visit

The provider will ask about the child's pain, how it affects daily activities, and any recent injuries. They may guide you to help your child move their thumb and wrist in certain ways to check for pain or swelling. Based on this, they will discuss possible treatments and next steps.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has severe pain, swelling, redness, warmth around the thumb or wrist, fever, or numbness, seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs could mean infection or other serious problems that need urgent attention.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection.
• Have a device with a working camera and microphone ready.
• Gather information about your child's symptoms: when they started, what makes them better or worse.
• Prepare to show the child's thumb and wrist during the video call.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.
• Have a list of current medications or treatments your child is using.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's advice on rest, exercises, or medications.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or worsening symptoms appear.
• Keep a record of any treatments tried and their effects to share with your provider.

FAQs

What causes De Quervain Tenosynovitis in children?

De Quervain Tenosynovitis often happens due to repetitive hand or wrist movements that strain the tendons near the thumb. In children, this might be from activities like playing sports, using electronic devices, or other repetitive tasks.

Can De Quervain Tenosynovitis get better without surgery?

Yes, many cases improve with rest, avoiding activities that cause pain, gentle exercises, and sometimes splinting. Surgery is usually considered only if other treatments do not help.

Is it safe to give my child pain medicine before the video visit?

Over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are often safe for children when used as directed. However, check the correct dose for your child's age and weight, and inform the healthcare provider during the visit.

What should I do if my child’s pain gets worse after the video visit?

If your child's pain worsens, or if they develop new symptoms like swelling, redness, fever, or numbness, seek in-person medical care promptly as these may be signs of a more serious problem.

Can a video visit replace an in-person exam for this condition?

A video visit can help assess symptoms and guide initial care but cannot replace a hands-on physical exam if the condition is severe or unclear. Your provider may recommend an in-person visit if needed.

Sources

1. De Quervain Tenosynovitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. De Quervain Tenosynovitis: Symptoms and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. De Quervain Tenosynovitis — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.