Mommy thumb is an uncommon, painful condition where inflammation develops along the tendons of the thumb. These tendons extend from the back of the forearm to the wrist and down to the backside of the thumb. Inflammation can cause pain in any part of the thumb, from the forearm to the middle joint of the thumb. It may cause shooting or aching pain, and it may make it difficult to lift or use your hand. In new moms, it can cause pain when the hands are used to lift the baby.
Treatment options
If you think you may have a mommy thumb, there are a few different treatment options that you can consider. One of the best ways to alleviate your pain and discomfort is to exercise your thumb muscles with a tennis ball. Another option is to have corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids can help decrease swelling and alleviate pain. In some cases, mommy thumb can be treated with outpatient surgery.
Most cases can be treated by rest and anti-inflammatory medications. You can also try wearing a splint to prevent your thumb from moving. This treatment is effective for mild mommy thumb, and will help you maintain your mobility. If left untreated, your symptoms can worsen, resulting in wrist stiffness, numbness, tingling, and pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor to determine which treatment option will best benefit you.
Signs
Mommy thumb is a common condition that develops after childbirth or in the first year of a baby’s life. Repetitive grasping, holding, and cupping of an infant may result in inflammation of the thumb tendon on the thumb side of the wrist. This inflammation may make it difficult to grasp a thing or turn the wrist. Eventually, the condition can lead to severe pain. Here are some common mommy thumb signs to watch for.
Treatment for mommy thumb is simple. Rest and reducing inflammation can help. If left untreated, the condition may worsen, resulting in wrist stiffness, numbness, and tingling. If left untreated, it may require minor surgery. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor and follow his or her treatment advice. If your mommy thumb symptoms persist, you may need to change some daily activities, including feeding your baby or typing.
Prevention
Preventing Mommy Thumb is as easy as changing your lifting habits. Instead of using your thumbs to lift a child, use your fingers and place them on the sides of your rib cage. Gently squeeze the child. Avoid bending down more than necessary, especially while carrying heavy children. Lifting your baby should also not be accompanied by stooping or bending back. Listed below are a few prevention tips to keep mommy thumb at bay.
Repetitive movement of the wrist causes Mommy Thumb. The stress of picking up a baby often causes overuse of the wrist, resulting in thickening of the sheath covering the tendons and restricting their movement. Repeated movements can also cause de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, which involves inflammation of the wrist joints. Physiotherapy can help relieve mommy thumb pain, including strengthening exercises.
Surgery
If non-invasive methods haven’t given you the relief you need, your orthopedic doctor may suggest surgery for mommy thumb. During the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will make a small incision on the swollen tunnel and release the tendons. A brace is worn for three days after surgery, and physical therapy is started. The recovery time after surgery is generally between two and six weeks. You’ll likely have some pain in your wrist and thumb, but it should be minimal. In most cases, you’ll be able to return to your active lifestyle after surgery.
Mommy thumb, also known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, is a painful condition that affects both the wrist and the thumb. The tendons in the thumb pass through a narrow tunnel in the wrist, and they become inflamed and constricted. This causes pain that worsens when you’re thumbing. The condition is caused by a condition known as “mommy thumb” that can be caused by a variety of factors.