Bringing a new life into the world can be so beautiful, especially for first-time mothers. But for most moms, having their new babies can be quite hard as their bodies are still healing from childbirth while taking care of their little ones at the same time.
Because of the repetitive movements that moms do while attending to their baby, it can sometimes cause them to suffer soreness, pain, and discomfort in the upper extremities of their bodies, mostly in the thumbs and wrists.
But how can you remedy mommy thumb? Read on below if you want to find out what the condition is and how we can help you heal it.
A Closer Look at Mommy Thumb and Its Causes
Mommy thumb (mommy wrist), also known as De Quervain’s stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where moms, dads, and caregivers experience a lot of pain in the wrist and thumb. It can sometimes radiate into the forearm because of doing repetitive movements while taking care of their babies. These movements can include pushing the stroller, picking up or holding your baby into your arms, or cradling them into relaxation and sleep.
Mommy thumb can be extremely painful as the tendons connected in your thumb swell due to excessive use. This condition can become a temporary hand pain, but one can always do ways to relieve and prevent the pain from getting worse.
What are the Symptoms of Mummy Thumb?
Mommy thumb can occur to anyone, although women are three times more likely to develop this condition than men. It can also affect people aged thirty to fifty years old. So we can say that this is a rather common thumb and wrist condition that people experience.
If you suspect that you are suffering from mommy thumb, then these are the main symptoms you should look out for.
- Pain through the thumb side of your wrist, which may extend to the forearm
- Pain worsens when using your hands for grasping, twisting, or pinching
- Inflammation on the thumb side of your wrist
- Snapping sensation when moving your thumb
- Difficulty in moving your thumb and wrist due to swelling and pain
The Best Time to See a Doctor for Mommy Thumb
You can always consult your doctor if you are experiencing constant pain, soreness, and swelling in your thumb and wrist. You don’t have to wait for things to worsen, especially if your condition prevents you from doing everyday things. Usually, if the pain does not subside in two to four weeks, you should see your doctor immediately.
If you have the primary symptom of mommy thumb (pain and swelling in the thumb side of your wrist), your doctor may ask to do the Finkelstein’s test to diagnose your condition properly.
During the test, the doctor will ask you to make a fist, placing your thumb under your fingers. Then, you’ll have to bend your wrist away from your thumb, moving toward the side of your little finger.
Afterward, your doctor will determine if you are suffering from mommy thumb. Most people experience mild pain, but the doctor may have to prescribe the proper treatment if you feel moderate to extreme pain.
They can give you a hand pain treatment of anti-inflammatory medication that you might take for three to six weeks and may ask you to wear a wrist and thumb spica splint. For severe inflammation, they could inject you with steroids in the affected area.
When Do You Require Surgery for Mommy Thumb?
If the medications and other treatments prescribed by your doctor do not work and the pain persists, then they may recommend you to a hand specialist that will handle the surgery to remedy your mommy thumb.
Conclusion
As a parent, you know that one of the joys and challenges of parenting is taking care of your baby. It can be an enjoyable experience, but it also comes with its fair share of aches and pains like mommy thumb. But with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can continue taking care of your baby pain-free!
North Florida Hand & Wrist Center is led by Dr. Richard D Curtis and Dr. Jose Baez, expertly-trained hand and wrist doctors that use a state-of-the-art surgical facility. We are fully committed to providing patients with the utmost care. Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
