Mummy’s Thumb - Thumb and wrist pain in the postnatal period

De Quervain’s  or Mummy’s Thumb

What is it? 

Inflammation of two tendons that run along the thumb side of the wrist attaching to the base of the thumb call extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) and abductor pollicis longus (APL). These tendons help you move your thumb outwards and upwards. The inflammation happens due to repetitive friction of the tendon and the tendon sheaths by doing repetitive and/or prolonged thumb and wrist movement.  

This can happen during Pregnancy do to increase fluid in the body which may result in more pressure/compression at the wrist. This increased pressure/compression around the wrist and the tenson sheaths may cause friction and inflammation to occur.

However, mummy’s thumb is more common in the post-natal period. This is because as a new mom when caring for bub you are repetitively using your thumb and wrist. The repetitive and prolonged actions of picking up baby and feeding to name a few will cause friction and inflammation of the thumb tendons.

Common Symptoms:

-       Swelling and pain in the wrist area near the thumb 

-       Pain can be either sharp or dull

-       Pain can present during the activity of after

-       Pain can present overnight

-       Feeling of weakness in the thumb, wrist of grip strength

How can a physio help?

-       Splinting the wrist: This might mean wearing a brace during the day or overnight to keep you from excessively using the thumb and wrist and essentially given the muscles and tendons a bit of break.

-       Taping: If symptoms are not severe and a split is not necessary, taping can also help. The tape with provide some support and also serve as a reminder to keep that thumb and wrist a bit straighter.

-       Activity modification: We can also teach you how to modify the way you are picking up baby and using your hands/wrist when feeding. These activates should be done with minimal wrist or thumb movement to avoid aggravation and help improve symptoms.

-       Massage and Dry needling: These hands-on treatment techniques will target the specific muscle and tendons helping reduce inflammation and reducing pain.

-       Exercises: There are also specific exercises you can do to help strength that muscle and thus help strengthen the tendons. Exercises will not only improve the strength, they will also improve the range and reduce the pain.

Written by: Catalina Verjan - Physiotherapist