New Mother's Thumb: Ouch! My Wrist Hurts!

New Mother’s Thumb…

Remember Blackberry Thumb or Texter’s Thumb? Yep…That pain at the base of the thumb of the hand that happens from chronic overuse?

Fun fact: See that sunken in area in the blue circle? It’s also known as the Anatomical Snuff Box. So, at least you know that I was paying attention in anatomy lab…But! I didn’t learn that cuz I snuff stuff… To be clear, I do not snuff stuff. LOL. But I do love anatomy… Ask me about the pelvis!

This condition is known as de Quervain's Stenosing Tenosynovitis for medical folks and is pronounced “Duh Kware vain’s”. To test for this condition, your care provider might ask you to fold your thumb across your palm and wrap your fingers around the thumb. Then, bend the wrist down towards the other side (the ulnar - or pinky side) of your fist. If there is pain with this movement, it is positive for de Quervain’s.

50% of new moms may experience this

Anyone can get this painful condition but about 50% of new moms will experience this during and especially after pregnancy. It’s caused by an inflammation of the tendons in the area that you can see circled in the picture above. You might experience pain, swelling and weakness with gripping, pinching, or squeezing motions. For example, every time you go to scoop up your baby (how many times a day?) you do the same repetitive movement with your wrist and thumb in that “L shape” or you go to breast feed your baby (how many times a day?) and your thumb and fingers are in the “C-shape” to hold your breast. Over and over and over again…Day after day after day.

Watch 4tfm instructor Stefanie Lukins video about deQuervain’s. Stefanie is an OT who lives in Toms River, NJ.

So what can you do about this?

The good news is that this can be self-limiting… meaning it may resolve on its own. But if it doesn’t, there are non-surgical treatments for de Quervains for you to try first.

Try these things:

  • An orthotic brace may be helpful.

  • Massage may feel good.

  • Strengthening and stretching exercises. (See Stefanie’s video above for examples.)

  • Try to avoid placing the thumb and pointer finger in the “L” shaped position. This is really common when picking up your baby. Try to scoop up your baby with your hands under baby, instead of under the arm pits.

  • When nursing your baby, avoid the C-cup hand hold if that causes you pain and rather place the thumb near to the other fingers.

  • Alternating heat and cold packs may give relief.

  • For many, a steroid shot given by your care provider may really help a lot.

  • Medicines for pain and inflammation may help but please check with your medical care provider to see if this is a good choice for you.

If you don’t get relief, it’s time for a PT referral for that extra help!

Beyond Postpartum, Motherhood, Postpartum Recovery, Childbirth Education, Fitness Pros & HCPsEmily Wannenburgpostpartum