New moms are well-aware of the many challenges that come after giving birth. From the time they get home from the hospital, they have to take care of a baby who doesn’t know the difference between night and day just yet. They also have to deal with discomfort in their breasts. However, one thing you might not have anticipated is the pain in your wrists.
Why do your wrists hurt so much? Is this normal? The good news is that this condition is treatable. It is a type of tendonitis called “Mommy Wrist” or “Mommy Thumb.”
What is Mommy Wrist?
Mommy Wrist is a type of tendonitis that affects the wrists and thumbs. It is also sometimes called De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. This type of tendonitis occurs in new moms because of the weight placed on their wrists and thumbs as they carry their babies.
The weight of the baby may cause overuse of the tendons in the wrist. These tendons will become inflamed over time. The inflamed tendons will cause pain and discomfort when the wrists are moved or when weight is placed on them.
What Are The Symptoms?
People who have Mommy Wrist complain of pain when they move their hand in a back and forth motion on the wrist joint. Some people report feeling a tender spot on their wrists, which may be slightly swollen. The swelling in the area can be attributed to the swollen tendons in the affected area. People with Mommy Wrist may also have a frail grip. In severe cases, they will not even be able to lift a coffee mug to their lips.
When To See A Doctor For Mommy Wrist
If you have a severe case of Mommy Wrist, it is a good idea to seek treatment for your condition. If you have a hard time gripping even the lightest objects, or if you feel extreme pain when you move your wrist, see a physician. They will tell you how bad your case of Mommy Wrist is and how to treat it.
Treatment Options
The good news is that you don’t have to wince in pain forever. Treatment methods are available. Your doctor will tell you which treatment method will work best, depending on the severity of your case.
1 – Over-The-Counter Medication
Certain pain medications help reduce swelling. Many are safe to take while breastfeeding. If you are unsure which specific medications these are, it is good to consult your doctor before taking anything.
2 – A Wrist Brace
You can use a wrist brace to help stabilize your wrist and minimize movement while you recover. Keeping your wrist still and making sure that you do not put pressure on it or move it too much will help prevent the inflammation from worsening.
3 – Surgery
If all else fails, a skilled surgeon will be able to release the pressure in your wrist and relieve the inflammation.
Conclusion
If you have Mommy Wrist, it is best to avoid putting too much weight on it until it heals. It means having other people help you with your baby until you can fully recover to prevent your condition from worsening.
North Florida Hand & Wrist Center is led by Dr. Richard D. Curtis and Dr. Jose Baez. We are expertly-trained hand and wrist surgeons committed to providing patients with the absolute best care possible. We are a state-of-the-art surgical facility staffed by a team of dedicated wrist doctors in Jacksonville whose primary goal is to ease any hand or wrist discomfort you may experience. If you have any conditions in your hand or wrist, come in for a check-up. We will be happy to see how we can help you.
