De Quervain Tenosynovitis in New Moms

What is De Quervain Tenosynovitis in new moms?

Caring for a newborn is a rewarding and affirming experience, but it can also present its physical challenges. The sudden increase in repetitive movements, repetitive lifting and prolonged awkward positions can lead to discomfort or injury, especially in the early postpartum period.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a condition that can be caused by activities involving repetitive thumb and wrist movements as well as prolonged positions. This may occur during sports or tasks of a repetitve nature. In new parents, the condition is sometimes referred to as “Mommy’s Thumb” or “Baby’s Wrist.”

It typically appears within the first few months postpartum and is caused by overuse of the hand and thumb. This can happen when lifting the baby under the armpits or when the baby is held with the wrist bent and the thumb extended – such as during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. First-time parents may be especially susceptible, as they are still learning the most ergonomic ways to lift, hold, and feed their baby.

What is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the sheath around two extensor tendons of the thumb that run along the thumb side of the wrist: the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis. It usually causes pain and/or swelling at the base of the thumb and wrist. Symptoms may worsen with lifting, gripping, or certain wrist movements.

When to consult?

If you think you may be experiencing this condition, you may benefit from seeing an occupational therapist who specializes in hand therapy. Occupational therapy is available through direct access, so you do not need a referral from a physician.

A hand therapist may use a variety of treatment modalities to help reduce pain and support healing, including:

Education on techniques to perform various tasks pain-free.
Temporary use of a resting splint (orthosis).
Neuroproprioceptive taping.
Appropriate and personalized exercises.
Guidance towards appropriate physicians or surgeons, if needed.

Ténosynovite Dequervain chez les nouvelles mamans et la tendinite chez Kinatex Sports Physio, Québec et Ontario.

Recommandations

Tips to help reduce the risk of developing De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

Minimize lifting your baby under the armpits. This position places extra strain on the involved tendons of the thumb and wrist. Instead, try to support your baby from underneath, using your whole hand and forearms to distribute the weight more evenly.
As your baby grows, adjust how you carry them. Use one forearm under their bottom and the other arm across their chest or back to reduce strain on the wrists and thumbs.
Keep your wrist in a neutral position whenever possible. Aim to keep your thumb close to your hand rather than extended outward, which helps reduce tension on the inflamed tendon sheath.
Use a pillow or cushion to support your child when bottle-feeding or breastfeeding. This prevents you from having to hold the baby’s weight solely with your wrist and hand.
Use baby carriers to give your arms a break. A well-fitted baby carrier can support your baby’s weight and reduce the load on your hands and wrists during longer periods of carrying.
Alternate arms when holding or feeding your baby. Switching sides regularly can help prevent overuse on one side of the body, especially if you’re already noticing discomfort on one wrist.
Seek early intervention if pain starts to develop. Mild symptoms can often be managed more easily before they become more persistent or limiting.

Recognized level of expertise

Kinatex Rockland is the only clinic on the island of Montreal with a team of Certified Hand Therapists.

Our Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) assess & treat hand & wrist injuries exclusively, and with a level of precision & expertise only matched by that of hand/wrist surgeons.