New motherhood brings joy, but it also introduces new physical stresses. Many new moms experience sharp pain along the thumb side of the wrist, especially when lifting their baby. This common condition, known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, is often referred to as “mommy wrist.” It occurs when two tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become inflamed, causing pain with motion or gripping activities.
The good news is that most women recover fully with proper diagnosis, rest, and non-surgical care. Understanding what causes this condition and how to manage it can help you get back to enjoying time with your baby comfortably.
What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful inflammation of the tendon sheath that surrounds two thumb tendons near the wrist. These tendons attach muscle from the forearm to the thumb and help with lifting, grasping, and extending the thumb.
When repetitive wrist or thumb movements cause irritation, the tendon sheath thickens and swells, leading to pain and tenderness. The discomfort is usually felt along the thumb side of the wrist and can radiate into the forearm.
Why It Happens to New Moms
Mommy wrist often develops in the first few weeks postpartum. New mothers frequently lift, carry, and feed their babies in positions that strain the thumb and wrist. The motion of tucking the thumb under the baby’s body while lifting places pressure on the inflamed tendons and worsens the condition over time.
Hormonal changes and fluid retention during pregnancy may also contribute to swelling in the wrist, further increasing irritation around the tendon sheath.
Common Symptoms
New moms with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis usually experience pain at the base of the thumb and on the outer edge of the wrist. The pain may worsen when lifting, twisting, or gripping objects.
Other symptoms include swelling along the thumb side of the wrist, tenderness when touching the tendons, and difficulty forming a fist. Some mothers describe a catching or snapping sensation when moving the thumb.
The pain typically does not affect the pinky or little finger, helping distinguish this condition from carpal tunnel syndrome, which involves the median nerve.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Diagnosis is made through a careful physical examination. Your doctor or orthopedic surgeon will assess your wrist motion, evaluate for tenderness, and perform a simple maneuver called the Finkelstein test, which stretches the affected tendons.
Imaging tests are rarely needed but may be ordered if another wrist injury is suspected. A good medical history, including recent pregnancy and postpartum activity, often helps confirm the diagnosis.
Conservative Treatment Options
Most cases of De Quervain’s in new moms respond well to conservative treatments. Resting the wrist and avoiding painful lifting motions are the first steps to reduce pain and swelling.
A thumb spica splint can support the wrist and thumb, keeping them in a neutral position to allow healing. Ice therapy several times per day can reduce swelling and relieve pain naturally.
Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may be recommended for short-term relief, if approved by your physician.
Hand Therapy and Home Care
A hand therapist or occupational therapist can teach stretching and strengthening exercises that promote healing and prevent stiffness. These professionals can also show safer baby-lifting techniques that protect the wrist and thumb.
At-home treatments such as gentle range-of-motion exercises, rest breaks during feeding, and maintaining proper wrist position while lifting can make a significant difference. Many mothers notice improvement within a few weeks of consistent care.
Corticosteroid Injections
If symptoms persist, corticosteroid injections into the tendon sheath may be recommended. These injections can reduce inflammation quickly and provide long-lasting relief for most patients.
When performed under ultrasound guidance, the medication is delivered precisely around the inflamed tendons with minimal discomfort. This approach often eliminates the need for surgery and allows new moms to continue caring for their baby comfortably.
When Surgery Becomes Necessary
Surgery is reserved for patients who do not respond to conservative options. The procedure, called a De Quervain’s release, involves opening the tendon sheath to relieve pressure on the two tendons.
It is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, and most patients regain full thumb and wrist motion after recovery. With proper therapy and rest, the majority of mothers heal completely and return to daily activities within a few weeks.
Preventing Recurrence
To prevent mommy wrist from returning, new mothers should use both hands when lifting, keep the wrist straight rather than bent, and avoid overuse. Alternating arms while holding the baby and adjusting feeding positions can reduce repetitive strain.
Continuing home stretches or short therapy sessions can help maintain flexibility in the thumb and wrist tendons. Paying attention to posture, rest, and early symptoms can stop inflammation before it worsens.
When to See a Hand Specialist
If you experience pain that interferes with daily activities, difficulty lifting your baby, or swelling that does not improve, it is important to see a doctor who specializes in hand and wrist conditions. Early treatment leads to faster recovery and prevents chronic tendon irritation.
Why Choose Dr. Neustein for Mommy Wrist Care
Dr. Thomas Neustein is a board-certified orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon with extensive experience treating De Quervain’s tenosynovitis and other wrist conditions in new moms. He emphasizes patient-centered care, offering both conservative and surgical treatment options based on each patient’s unique needs.
From therapy coordination to ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections and advanced outpatient surgical options, Dr. Neustein provides comprehensive care designed to help mothers recover quickly and safely.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you are a new mom experiencing wrist pain or tenderness near the thumb, you may have mommy wrist. Early evaluation can make recovery faster and prevent chronic inflammation. Schedule your consultation today at one of our convenient North Georgia offices.
