Q Can I be completely cured without surgery? I am afraid of surgery.
A 85–90% of wrist tenosynovitis cases can be recovered without surgery through conservative treatment (injections, acupuncture, splinting, and rehabilitation). Surgery (de Quervain release) is limited to a few cases that do not respond to long-term conservative treatment. The earlier accurate treatment is started, the higher the likelihood of recovery without surgery.
Detailed Answer
According to the literature, approximately 60–70% of cases improve with 1–2 steroid injections, and if combined conservative treatment including Korean medicine therapies such as acupuncture and moxibustion is continued, 85–90% of the total recover without surgery within 6 months. Surgery (de Quervain release) is a simple procedure that widens the tunnel by incising the roof of the tendon sheath, but due to the risk of damage to the sensory branches of the radial nerve, it is selected only after sufficient attempts at conservative treatment. Even if the condition is recurrent, if you have never received proper conservative treatment, it is worth trying intensive treatment first. Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Korean medicine treatment aims to alter the internal environment of the tendon sheath without surgery. It lowers tunnel pressure using needle acupuncture, promotes tendon regeneration with pharmacopuncture and fire acupuncture, and strengthens structural support with thread embedding. During this process, herbal medicine tailored to the patient's constitution replenishes liver blood and kidney essence, enhancing the tendon's own recovery ability. At Dongjedang, we monitor treatment progress using ultrasound and approach the issue with the goal of a complete cure without surgery.
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I am a factory worker in my 50s working near Dongincheon. Can I receive treatment while continuing to do work that requires using my hands?
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I received steroid injections three times, but the condition has recurred. Can I get better at a Korean medicine clinic?
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