Wrist Steroid (cortisone) Injection London

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a common condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It is most commonly seen in females aged between 20 and 40, usually as a result of the lifting and awkward twisting associated with having a new baby.

When carrying and feeding a baby the tendons in the thumb side of the wrist can become overloaded resulting in tendinitis, inflammation and swelling. This causes pain with lifting and twisting as well as puffiness in the area.  Patients usually experience localised tenderness and often such severe discomfort that it becomes difficult to undertake daily activities required to look after a baby.

Initially patients are offered basic painkiller advice such as paracetamol and ibuprofen as well as advice on icing of the area and the use of a splint to prevent certain movements of the wrist and thumb. Splints can be helpful but are often poorly tolerated by patients.

Physiotherapy can help to strengthen the tendons to reduce pain but often this is not enough and a steroid (cortisone) injection can be invaluable.

At The Joint Injection Clinic in Golders Green and Chelsea, under ultrasound guidance we can accurately target the two tendons which run within the same tendon sheath. By using ultrasound to guide the steroid injection we reduce the risk of complications such as tendon damage and depigmentation (lightening of the skin) as a result of the steroid.

Following an injection we would expect to see an improvement in symptoms within days and usually complete resolution within 1 to 4 weeks.

If you would like to book a rapid-access appointment at either our Golders Green or Chelsea clinic locations then please call 0208 0046659, visit www.thejointinjectionclinic.com or email info@thejointinjectionclinic.com for further information.