What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for De Quervain Tenosynovitis in Children

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, often from repetitive hand movements. After a telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will help you understand the condition and suggest ways to reduce pain and improve thumb movement. Treatment often includes resting the thumb, using splints, and taking medicines to reduce swelling. Sometimes, physical therapy exercises may be recommended. Your provider may also discuss when to seek in-person care if symptoms do not improve or worsen. This guide helps children and their caregivers know what to expect after a telemedicine visit and how to take care of the thumb at home. Remember, telemedicine advice is helpful but does not replace an in-person exam when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Increasing pain that does not improve with rest or medicines — seek in-person care promptly.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers — contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, swelling, or fever near the thumb — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation and education about symptoms.
• Guidance on home care, rest, and use of splints.
• Recommendations for over-the-counter pain relief.
• Monitoring symptom progress through follow-up visits.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical tests that require hands-on examination.
• Providing injections or surgical treatments.
• Diagnosing complications that need imaging or lab tests.
• Managing severe pain or signs of infection urgently.
• Treating cases that do not improve with initial care.

Understanding De Quervain Tenosynovitis

De Quervain tenosynovitis happens when the tendons that move the thumb become irritated or swollen. This can cause pain, especially when moving the thumb or wrist. It is common in children who use their hands a lot for activities like writing, playing games, or sports. The pain is usually near the base of the thumb and may come with swelling or a feeling of tightness.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

During your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and watch how you move your thumb and wrist. They will explain the condition and suggest ways to help you feel better. You may be advised to rest your thumb, avoid activities that cause pain, and use a splint to support the thumb. Medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen might be recommended to ease pain and swelling. Sometimes, exercises or physical therapy can help improve thumb movement.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your pain gets worse, if you notice numbness or weakness in your hand, or if the swelling spreads, you should see a healthcare provider in person. In some cases, further tests or treatments may be needed. If you have a fever or signs of infection near the thumb, urgent medical attention is important.

Tips for Managing Symptoms at Home

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Follow-Up and Monitoring

Your healthcare provider may schedule a follow-up telemedicine or in-person visit to check your progress. Keep track of your symptoms and let your provider know if there are any changes. Healing can take a few weeks, so patience and careful care are important.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a quiet, well-lit space for your telemedicine visit.
• Be ready to show your thumb and wrist to the camera.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly, including when they started and what makes them worse or better.
• Have a list of current medicines and any allergies ready.
• Prepare questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan advised by your provider, including rest and splint use.
• Take medicines as directed to manage pain and swelling.
• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling if recommended.
• Avoid activities that cause pain until your provider says it is safe to resume them.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up visits, either by telemedicine or in person.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.

FAQs

What is De Quervain tenosynovitis?

It is a condition where the tendons around the base of the thumb become irritated and swollen, causing pain and difficulty moving the thumb.

Can telemedicine help treat this condition?

Yes, telemedicine can help by allowing your healthcare provider to evaluate your symptoms, give advice on home care, and decide if you need to see a provider in person.

What should I do if the pain gets worse?

If the pain increases or you notice numbness, weakness, or signs of infection, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

How long does it take to get better?

With proper care, symptoms often improve in a few weeks, but healing time can vary depending on the severity and how well you follow treatment advice.

Are there exercises I can do to help?

Sometimes, your provider may suggest gentle exercises or physical therapy to improve thumb movement, but these should be done only as directed.

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. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical care. Telemedicine guidance can help manage symptoms and provide advice but is not a substitute for an in-person examination when needed. If you have serious symptoms or concerns, please seek care from a healthcare provider in person.