Intersection
Syndrome

Intersection syndrome is a rare condition that is often misdiagnosed as de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Intersection syndrome is similar however it involves two muscles/tendons that pass, cross and intersect underneath the muscles/tendons that are involved in the diagnosis of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. The muscles involved in intersection syndrome are called extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis.

The main cause of intersection syndrome are activities that involve extensive and repetitive flexion and extension of the wrist. It is most seen in sporting activities such as skiing, racquet sports, rowing, canoeing and horseback riding. Basically, when the wrist is repetitively flexed and extended, there is a production of a friction injury where the muscles intersect in the forearm. These muscles become inflamed and painful as they move underneath the two muscles/tendons above them.

Generally, the most common symptoms of intersection syndrome involve:

• Pain and tenderness on the top of the wrist and forearm
• Swelling on the top of the wrist and forearm
• Grinding, crunching or grating sensations on the top of the wrist or forearm
• Pain associated when putting the hand in a palm down position

Therapists at Specialist On Hand can help support you to return to your regular activities and/or sporting activities by creating a treatment program just for you. Treatment options include:

• Pain management
• Anti-inflammatory management
• Oedema/swelling management
• Soft tissue massage and myofascial release
• Dynamic taping
• Tailored exercise and strengthening programs
• Neurostimulation using Inter-X and TENS machine.

If you have any of these symptoms or would like for our specialist therapists to have a look at your injury contact us! We can create personalised treatment programs to assist your return to the activities that you enjoy completing the most.

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