Causes And Risk Factors Of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Above Forty Years Old

For reasons not fully understood, individuals above forty years old have an incredibly elevated risk of developing de Quervain's tenosynovitis. There are many potential reasons, so only a few will be focused on. One potential reason is older individuals may not have adequate blood flow to the area. As individuals age, the circulatory system weakens depending on activity levels. With a weaker system, the body will ensure blood gets to the vital organs before it reaches parts an individual can live without. Another possibility is individuals over forty have a decreased ability to perform aerobic cellular respiration. This would mean they do not make enough energy for the muscles to continuously and repetitively move the thumb, contributing to strain. Finally, individuals older than forty may just be at risk for experiencing the effects of years of repetitive strain injuries. The injuries may not be noticed until extensive damage has been done and de Quervain's tenosynovitis symptoms begin to present.

Get to know more symptoms of de Quervain's tenosynovitis.