When Baby Leads To Tendonitis
Mommy’s wrist, formally known as de Quervain’s tenosynovitis or tendonitis, can happen due to overuse of the wrist and thumb. New moms are especially susceptible to this condition due to an increased need to hold or nurse a baby, often for hours at a time. When the tendons in the wrist are overused, inflammation and irritation occur. Conservative treatments, such as physical therapy (PT), can help, but some women will require de Quervain’s release surgery.
Symptoms of mommy’s wrist
Not every new mom will be susceptible to mommy’s wrist, but with frequent lifting of a new baby, the condition can occur. The wrists aren’t used to cradling a heavy object for hours, so overuse can lead to acute inflammation and pain. Opening jars and turning doorknobs can also trigger pain from the condition. Aside from pain, other cardinal symptoms of tendinitis include tenderness, burning, or a shooting sensation in the thumb or wrist, difficulty grasping objects, a popping or clicking sensation, and swelling.
Conservative treatment options
For some women, the condition disappears with time. As the new mom learns better positions for holding the baby, tendinitis is not triggered as often. Additionally, as the baby grows older and starts to be held less frequently, the risk of tendon inflammation and pain is lowered. In the early days, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication can help with symptoms, while splinting can offer temporary relief. For some individuals, physical therapy can help. At PT, the physical therapist will guide the patient through various exercises to reduce pain and strengthen the wrist. Some women can also benefit from steroid injections.
Turning to surgery
Although conservative treatment options are effective for many women with the condition, in some cases, a more serious response is needed. De Quervain’s release surgery is the gold standard for treating mommy’s wrist. The surgery aims to release the tendon sheath that wraps around the base of the thumb by making a small incision in the wrist. Once completed, the patient should notice a significant decrease in pressure and associated pain. De Quervain’s release surgery can be performed using minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques. As a result of the small incisions required and lower risk for complications, patients can leave on the same day of the procedure to heal at home.
Recovering from release surgery
After surgery, some surgeons will recommend using a splint for a few weeks. The splint can support the wrist as a patient returns to everyday life, especially if the patient is a mom who needs to return to caring for a child. Physical therapy can help support recovery by restoring the expected range of motion (ROM) and strengthening the wrist. Most patients can expect a total recovery period of 6-12 weeks, but with MIS, this timeline can be shortened.
Don’t let tendinitis get out of hand
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis can happen to any individual who performs repetitive movements, but moms are especially susceptible. A new baby is demanding, requiring hours and hours of being held, often in uncomfortable positions for the caregiver. This demand can trigger tendinitis and increase pain in the wrist. Conservative treatment can help many moms, but in some cases, surgery is required. With MIS, the procedure is quick and results in minimal downtime. After surgery, new moms will be pain-free and back to rocking and holding the baby in no time at all.
