For a patient suspected of having de Quervain's tenosynovitis, what is the most appropriate initial treatment?

The most appropriate initial treatment for a patient suspected of having de Quervain's tenosynovitis is to implement rest and use a thumb spica wrist splint. This conservative approach helps to reduce inflammation and relieve pain by immobilizing the thumb and wrist, preventing movements that exacerbate the condition.

De Quervain's tenosynovitis involves inflammation of the tendons that control the movement of the thumb, especially when performing gripping or pinching motions. Resting these tendons allows the inflammation to subside. The thumb spica splint is particularly effective because it stabilizes the thumb, reducing strain on the affected tendons as they heal.

While physical therapy may be helpful in the management later on, the initial focus should be on relieving current symptoms and limiting movement. Injections of corticosteroids can be beneficial, but they are typically considered if symptoms persist despite conservative treatment. Surgery for tendon release is usually a last-resort option, reserved for cases where conservative measures fail to provide relief after a significant period. Therefore, rest combined with a thumb spica splint is the recommended first-line intervention for suspected de Quervain's tenosynovitis.