Is Holding Your Child Causing Hand & Wrist Pain?

If you are experiencing pain in your hand or wrist while holding your child, you may be suffering from a condition known as mommy’s thumb. Find out what causes this condition that is becoming increasingly common in American households.

Formally called deQuervain’s tendonitis, mommy’s thumb is described as tendon inflammation around the area of the thumb and wrist. While the condition is not new, mommy’s thumb could possibly be on the rise because of older new mothers, heavier children, and the frequent use of technological devices.

Some experts estimate that anywhere between 25-50 percent of new mothers experience mommy’s thumb. Using too much of the thumb to bear the weight of the child is believed to be one of the culprits.

Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron offers some tips to help prevent mommy’s thumb from occurring:

• Use an elevated crib — This can improve your lifting technique and can even prevent back pain.
• Try using your palms or forearms when raising the child — This helps keep your thumb in alignment and prevents tendons in the wrist and thumb from tightening.
• Rest and use an icepack — Should you start to feel stiffness or pain, try applying an icepack and get plenty of rest.

“If these light treatment options do not relieve some of your pain, we can proceed with other treatments such as cortisone injections as well as wrist splints,” says Dr. Emily Tan, hand specialist at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron.

To consult with one of our doctors at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron, please call (810) 985-4900 or schedule an appointment online.