I had a ganglion cyst surgically removed from my wrist last year. The past several months I have had searing pain at the base of my thumb and hand. My primary physician put me on an anti-inflammatory (Mobic) and told me to wear some kind of wrist support when active, and to do strengthening exercises. Great. Fast forward several months later... I was referred to an orthopedist because the pain was worse. He diagnosed it as De Quervain's and gave me a thumb spica splint (completely immobilizes my thumb) and told me to wear it 24 hrs a day for 4-6 weeks, then wean myself off of it. I also had steroid injections.

My concern is that I have been wearing the splint for over 2 weeks and the pain continues to get worse. It is now in my fingers and entire hand, and any movement or gripping is very painful. When I wake in the morning, it is the worst. I don't understand why the pain continues to get worse when it is immobilized. Also, after any exertion with my right hand (which is also my dominant hand), my whole arm tremors badly.

I am beyond frustrated, as I have several races and a couple tri's on the calendar for this year. Has anyone had any experiences like this or have any insight to offer?