What happens after a telemedicine visit for De Quervain Tenosynovitis

Audience: adult

De Quervain Tenosynovitis is a condition that causes pain and swelling near the base of your thumb. After a telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will likely discuss ways to reduce pain and inflammation. This may include resting your thumb, using splints, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers. You may also receive advice on gentle exercises to improve thumb movement. Follow-up visits, either virtual or in-person, might be recommended to check your progress. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, your provider may suggest further evaluation or treatments. Telemedicine can help you understand your condition and manage symptoms but is not a replacement for in-person exams when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Increasing pain despite rest and medication — seek prompt medical evaluation.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your thumb or hand — contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, fever, or pus near the affected area — seek urgent medical care.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and medical history.
• Providing education on symptom management and home care.
• Guidance on use of splints, exercises, and pain relief.
• Monitoring progress and adjusting treatment plans virtually.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment.
• Administering injections or surgical treatments.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests without in-person evaluation.
• Managing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms requiring emergency care.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your provider will review your symptoms and may suggest rest for your thumb and wrist. You might be advised to avoid activities that cause pain. They may recommend using a splint or brace to support your thumb and reduce movement that worsens symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen may be suggested to ease discomfort and swelling.

Managing Symptoms at Home

Applying ice to the affected area several times a day can help reduce swelling. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may be recommended once pain decreases. Your provider might give you instructions or videos to guide these exercises safely. It's important to follow their advice and not push through pain.

When to Seek Further Care

If your pain worsens, swelling increases, or you notice numbness or weakness in your hand, contact your healthcare provider promptly. These signs may mean your condition needs more urgent or in-person evaluation. Also, if you develop signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or fever, seek immediate medical attention.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Your provider may schedule follow-up telemedicine visits to monitor your progress. They might adjust your treatment plan based on how you respond. In some cases, they may recommend an in-person visit for physical examination or imaging tests to better understand your condition.

Limitations of Telemedicine for De Quervain Tenosynovitis

While telemedicine is helpful for initial assessment and ongoing management, it cannot replace hands-on physical exams or procedures. If your symptoms are severe or not improving, you may need to see a healthcare provider in person for further testing or treatments such as injections or surgery.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your symptoms ready, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
• Prepare any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to a stable internet connection.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place where you can comfortably show your thumb and wrist if needed.
• Have any relevant medical records or previous test results accessible for reference.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider's advice on resting your thumb and wrist.
• Use splints or braces as instructed to limit movement and reduce pain.
• Apply ice packs to the affected area several times a day to reduce swelling.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended, following dosage instructions.
• Perform any prescribed exercises gently and regularly to improve mobility.
• Schedule and attend follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as advised.
• Contact your healthcare provider promptly if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose De Quervain Tenosynovitis?

Telemedicine can help your provider understand your symptoms and suggest a likely diagnosis based on your history and visual examination. However, a definitive diagnosis may require an in-person physical exam or imaging tests.

What treatments can I start after a telemedicine visit?

You may be advised to rest your thumb, use a splint, apply ice, and take over-the-counter pain relievers. Your provider might also guide you through gentle exercises to improve thumb function.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If your pain worsens, you develop numbness or weakness, or signs of infection appear, you should seek in-person medical care. Also, if symptoms do not improve with initial treatment, an in-person visit may be necessary.

Is surgery ever needed for De Quervain Tenosynovitis?

Surgery is typically considered only if symptoms persist despite conservative treatments. This decision usually requires an in-person evaluation by a specialist.

Can I continue using my hand during treatment?

It’s important to rest the affected thumb and avoid activities that cause pain. However, gentle movements and exercises may be recommended to maintain mobility as your symptoms improve.

Sources

1. De Quervain Tenosynovitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. De Quervain's Tenosynovitis — Mayo Clinic.
3. Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis — National Library of Medicine.
4. Telehealth: Delivering Care Safely During COVID-19 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have worsening symptoms or urgent concerns, please seek direct evaluation by a healthcare professional.