Caring for a new baby often leads to unexpected physical demands, resulting in pain near the base of the thumb and wrist. This discomfort, sometimes called “Mommy Wrist,” can make simple tasks like lifting or feeding challenging. The pain signals that the wrist structures are strained by repetitive motion. Understanding the mechanics and applying targeted treatments and preventive strategies can provide relief and help manage daily activities.
Understanding Mommy Wrist and Its Causes
The condition commonly known as Mommy Wrist is medically termed De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. It involves inflammation and irritation of two specific tendons—the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis—on the thumb side of the wrist. These tendons, responsible for moving the thumb outward, pass through a narrow tunnel.
Repetitive motions, such as constant lifting and cradling associated with infant care, cause the tendons to rub against the tunnel wall. This friction leads to swelling and thickening of the tendon sheath, preventing smooth gliding. This results in pain and tenderness near the radial styloid, the bony bump on the thumb side of the wrist. The common lifting movement using the thumb as leverage, often in a forceful “L” shape to support a baby’s head, significantly contributes to this overuse injury.
Immediate Relief and Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Initial Management
The initial approach focuses on reducing inflammation and immobilizing the affected area to promote healing. Resting the wrist and applying ice several times a day can help soothe the irritated tendons. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may also be recommended to temporarily decrease pain and swelling.
Splinting and Injections
A thumb spica splint is often prescribed as a primary conservative treatment to immobilize the wrist and thumb joint, restricting painful movements. This splint should be worn for approximately three to four weeks, often full-time, allowing the tendon sheath sufficient time to heal. If pain persists despite these measures, a medical professional may suggest a corticosteroid injection directly into the affected tendon sheath. The corticosteroid is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that reduces swelling around the tendons, helping them glide more freely. A single injection often provides significant symptom relief.
Physical Therapy
For cases that do not respond fully to injections or require rehabilitation, a referral to a physical or occupational therapist is common. A therapist provides specific exercises to improve the strength and flexibility of the wrist and thumb muscles. These rehabilitation exercises typically involve gentle thumb lifts, opposition stretches, and strengthening movements against light resistance. The goal is to restore function and prevent recurrence once the acute pain subsides.
Ergonomic Adjustments for Long-Term Prevention
Lifting Techniques
Preventing recurrence requires changing habits that caused the repetitive strain, focusing on biomechanics that minimize stress on the thumb tendons. The most significant modification involves changing how you lift your baby, avoiding motions that cause the thumb to extend away from the fingers. Instead of supporting the baby’s head with your thumb in an “L” shape, learn to “scoop” the baby with your palms up, keeping your wrists straight and thumbs tucked in close to your fingers.
When lifting the baby from a crib or car seat, the power should come from your forearms and biceps, not from bending your wrist. Get your entire hand and forearm underneath the baby’s body, distributing the weight evenly across your forearm and utilizing larger arm muscles. This technique avoids radial deviation—bending the wrist toward the thumb side—which strains the injured tendons.
Feeding and Daily Activities
During feeding, utilize pillows or cushions to support the baby’s weight and position them at chest height. This allows your arms and wrists to remain relaxed in a neutral position, preventing the need to hold the baby’s head up with a flexed wrist or extended thumb. Pay attention to other common activities, such as texting or scrolling on a smartphone, and avoid sustained, repetitive thumb movements. If you must use your phone, try using the unaffected hand or an alternative finger to swipe and type, consciously keeping the affected thumb still.