Becoming a new mom is exciting, exhausting, and full of constant movement. If you’ve noticed pain on the thumb side of your wrist or forearm, you might be dealing with mommy thumb, a common condition for nursing mothers and parents who frequently lift and hold their babies.
What is Mommy Thumb?
Mommy thumb, also known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, happens when the tendons that move your thumb (the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis) become irritated as they pass through a tight tunnel on the thumb side of your wrist. This irritation makes it painful to lift, grasp, or twist your wrist, common motions when holding your baby.
Causes of Mommy Thumb
This condition is especially common in new moms because of:
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Repetitive lifting and holding: Constantly lifting your baby with your wrists bent and thumbs extended puts strain on the tendons.
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Hormonal changes postpartum: These can increase tendon swelling and joint laxity.
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Fluid retention: Extra fluid after pregnancy may add pressure in the tendon sheath.
Signs and Symptoms
If you have mommy thumb, you may notice:
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Pain and tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist and forearm.
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Pain that worsens when gripping, twisting, or lifting your baby.
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Swelling or a catching/creaking feeling when moving your thumb.
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Pain during the Finkelstein’s test (tucking your thumb into your fist and bending your wrist toward your little finger).
Prevention Tips
You can take steps to reduce the strain on your wrists:
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Change how you lift your baby: Scoop under their bottom with both hands instead of hooking your thumbs under their arms.
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Use pillows when feeding: Nursing pillows reduce the stress on your wrists.
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Alternate sides: Switch which arm you hold your baby with when possible.
Treatment Options
Most cases of mommy thumb improve with time and care. Common approaches include:
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Rest and activity modification: Give your wrist frequent breaks.
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Ice therapy: Apply cold packs for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling.
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Supportive braces: A soft wrist/thumb splint can reduce tendon strain.
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Gentle exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help prevent recurrence.
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Medical options: If pain persists, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medications or a cortisone injection.
When to Seek Help
If your mommy thumb pain is not improving or is interfering with daily life, physiotherapy can help. A physiotherapist can provide hands-on treatment, education, and a customized exercise plan to restore wrist function and reduce pain.
If you’re a new mom in Saskatchewan dealing with mommy thumb, contact North 49 Physical Therapy. We’re here to help you get back to lifting, feeding, and cuddling your baby without pain.