Mom’s Thumb: The Hidden Wrist Pain Many New Parents Experience

General
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Caring for a newborn brings joy, but sometimes unexpected physical strain too. Around three months postpartum, my sister experienced sharp pain near her thumb and wrist every time she lifted her baby or grasped household objects. Her doctor later explained that repeated thumb strain had led to De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and recommended doing wrist exercises.

What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
Excessive pressure near the thumb region while grasping something with the extension of the thumb leads to tendon inflammation known as De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.

For example, when holding a baby’s head, we always support the head by extending the thumb. This creates a pressure on the two tendons of wrist and sheath.Over time,this pressure causes inflammation of the tendons leading to pain or swelling near thumb region or even radiating up the forearm, especially while grasping something,making a fist or turning the wrist.

• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a common type of tendonitis.

• It is named after the surgeon, Fritz de Quervain, who first described it.
Causes:
• Holding babies repeatedly by extending the thumb instead of cupping the hand.
• Pregnancy-related hormones (relaxin).
• After delivery, it may occur 4-6 weeks ,though it can occur later.
• Other conditions: Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis).

Diagnosis
• Finkelstein test- the primary test.
• In this, a fist is made with all fingers wrapped over the thumb and moved, just like shaking someone’s hand , a pain is felt near the wrist thumb and radiates to the forearm which suggests, the test is positive.

Treatment options
• A physician may recommend a special brace called a thumb spica brace which immobilizes the base of the thumb based on wrist size.
• Icing the wrist for 10 to 20 minutes.
• NSAIDs may be recommended for pain relief but not during pregnancy.
• Strengthen hand and wrist muscles for flexibility with the help of an occupational hand therapist.
• When holding baby, hold the baby by cupping the hand.
• If pain gets severe, consulting a doctor would be beneficial.
• Surgery may be recommended when other treatments don’t work.

Had you ever heard of “Mom’s Thumb” before, or is this new to you?

Mothers thumb
Mothers thumb605Ă—507 39.7 KB

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This is the first time I am hearing about this disease. Thanks for sharing

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Informative post.Interesting to see the link between repetitive postpartum movements and tendon inflammation.

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It’s completely new for me..nice information

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Some new information, just enhancing by knowledge.

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It’s new for me. Nicely explained

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Informative post. Thanks for sharing.

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It’s something new and interesting to know that there is a term for this kind of pain in New mothers. Thanks for sharing :+1:

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“Mother’s Thumb” is more common than people realize after delivery. Many mothers ignore the pain initially, but early care, proper posture, and exercises can make a big difference.

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