Question

Has anyone had surgery for De Quervains Tenosynovitis? Or conversely, just done therapy and the steroid injection? Trying to decide which option I want to go with. Surgery seems like faster relief, but would avoid if the injection and therapy are just as good.  

Answer 1

I had two steroid injections. The first one worked for 6 months then I had to go back for the second one. It only worked for two weeks. That’s when we tried a brace and it made things worse. That’s when my ortho suggested to go in for surgery. It’s a 15 minute procedure, twilight anesthesia, and two weeks with no lifting. After a week I felt relief and it’s good. The doctor said I shouldn’t have any problems. Four months later I still feel fine. He said that in his history of patients don’t respond well with physical therapy. Now I do feel I need to add I had an issue after surgery with my breast bone muscle. Either from the way they positioned my arm during surgery or from the way I was sleeping on it, about three days after surgery I started to get pain in my chest. After several tests it was determined a pulled muscle. This is not common.  

Answer 2

I'd avoid surgery at all costs. I did therapy + a brace + microneedling (done by my PT). It took 6-8 weeks, but it got better.  

Answer 3

I did the steroid shot and therapy and it helped. @speciosity had the surgery so she could probably help with questions on that.