As an equestrian, you are likely no stranger to wrist pain. Due to the extreme pressure and strain on the wrists, many horseback riders suffer from an inflammatory condition known as de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, which causes pain at the base of your thumb and the wrist area.
While this can occur in any rider, it tends to peak between ages 40-60, putting mature horse riders at a severe risk of wrist pain and even injury.
So, what can we do about this condition and continue to ride without pain? Let’s learn more about de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and the natural solutions that can help.
What is de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis syndrome affects the tendons in the wrist. A tendon is a hard band of connective tissue that connects a muscle to a bone.
This condition occurs when the tendons at the base of your thumb experience swelling. This swelling causes the outer covering (sheaths) of the tendons to become inflamed, and this inflammation then causes pain and numbness as it puts pressure on nearby nerves.
Symptoms of de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Also known as the ‘Gamer's thumb’, the main symptom of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis is severe pain and tenderness in your lower thumb. Difficulties in performing activities that include grasping, twisting, and lifting an object have also been commonly reported.
This condition significantly restricts the movement of the thumb and wrist making it a huge issue for equestrians.
Other symptoms also include:
- Swelling near the base of the thumb
- Numbness in adjacent finger and the back of the thumb
- Feeling of a snap or a click while moving the thumb
What Causes de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis in Equestrians?
Constant overuse of the wrist and thumb that is common in horseback riders is considered the most common cause of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Repetitive actions can stress the same area over and over, which increases the irritation and pain in the wrist and thumb.
The basic principles of horseback riding include correct thumb and arm posture. Equestrians also perform sustained periods of wrist bending, extreme wrist postures, and repetitive hand movements while horse riding which makes them easily exposed to this condition. Jarring of the wrist is another common issue in riders which can increase the inflammation and pain in the entire wrist joint.
In addition to being a rider, you may be more susceptible to developing de Quervain’s tenosynovitis if you:
- are over 40 years of age
- have a hobby or job surrounding repetitive hand and wrist motions (for example- carpenters, dentists, musicians, office workers)
- have a previous injury in the same area
- suffer from arthritis
Topical CBD to Help Relieve de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
When treating de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, experts focus on reducing pain and swelling by lowering tendon sheath inflammation. This is where topical CBD can be an excellent asset, as it can reduce inflammation to speed up healing.
Equestrians have been turning towards topical CBD, a less invasive way of dealing with these sorts of injuries. It helps with:
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Muscle Recovery
Topical CBD includes lotions, ointments, and creams infused with Cannabidiol to aid muscle recovery. It also accelerates the recovery process helping horseback riders to return to their job quicker.
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Pain and Inflammation
CBD helps equestrians in reducing the pain and inflammation caused by this condition by interacting with the brain’s endocannabinoid system. It blocks pain signaling receptors to reach the brain making it a great substitute for over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil.
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Lowers Pressure on Injured Muscle
In de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, pain and swelling can even reach the index finger, making it difficult to carry out day-to-day activities. Topical CBD helps to soothe these inflammatory nerve endings and provide relief.
Additionally, other lifestyle habits and treatments pair excellently with a topical CBD product to reduce pain and heal the wrist. Consider adding these to your treatment plan:
- Heat/Ice pack
- Avoiding repetitive hand or wrist motion
- Wearing a splint
- Local anesthetic injection
- Physiotherapy
Don’t Let de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Stop Your Riding
Wrist pain and swelling can be a nightmare for equestrians who love to ride, but there are helpful options for relief. Topical CBD products like Unstoppable can be a simple, safe, and natural way to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent further injury in the wrist and other vulnerable areas.
Don’t let wrist pain stop you from enjoying your riding passion. Shop our collection of CBD products to ride pain-free!