"Mommy Thumb" Isn't Just for Moms! De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Can Affect Anyone

Many new mothers experience wrist pain while caring for their babies, especially when holding, feeding, or changing diapers. This symptom is often called "Mommy Thumb," or by its medical name, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis. But is it really exclusive to mothers? Not quite!

What is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis? 🤔

De Quervain's tenosynovitis occurs when the 腱鞘 (tenosynovium) – the sheath surrounding the tendons in your wrist – becomes inflamed due to repetitive pulling or overuse. Simply put, it's an inflammation caused by excessive strain, commonly seen in activities involving frequent wrist use.

Typical Symptoms: 

Patients feel pain on the outer side of the wrist, especially when moving the thumb, which can worsen with use. Forceful wrist movements or lifting heavy objects also cause discomfort 😖.

Common Affected Groups: 

Besides new mothers, anyone who repeatedly grips, lifts heavy objects, or performs repetitive wrist movements can develop De Quervain's tenosynovitis. This includes manual laborers, office workers, and even some sports enthusiasts 🎾.

Why is "Mommy Thumb" So Common Among Mothers? 👩‍👦

New mothers frequently lift their babies, feed them, and burp them, all of which involve repetitive wrist movements that can strain the wrist. As babies grow and gain weight, the pressure on the wrists also increases 😅.

How Does TCM View De Quervain's Tenosynovitis? 🌿

From a TCM perspective, De Quervain's tenosynovitis falls under the category of 筋伤 (sinew injury) and is related to 气血不畅 (stagnant Qi and Blood) and 寒湿 (cold-dampness). Prolonged overuse or invasion of coldness can lead to blocked meridians, thus causing pain and inflammation.

Common TCM conditioning methods include:

• Acupuncture: 

  Needling specific acupoints can help 疏通经络 (unblock meridians) and relieve pain 💆‍♀️.

  
  

• External Chinese Herbal Application: 

  Some external herbal plasters can help 减轻局部炎症和疼痛 (reduce local inflammation and pain) 🌿.

  
  

• Rest and Hot Compresses: 

  Hot compresses help alleviate pain. It's also recommended to 减少手腕的使用 (reduce wrist use) to allow the tendons to rest 🧖‍♀️.

How to Prevent "Mommy Thumb"? 🛡️

• Correct Baby-Holding Posture: 

  When holding your baby, try to avoid excessive wrist bending or using only one arm. Instead, use your arm and shoulder strength for support.

  
  

• Regular Breaks: 

  If you need to use your wrists for extended periods, try to take breaks to move your fingers and wrists, avoiding overuse.

  
  

• Use Auxiliary Tools: 

  For instance, use a nursing pillow when feeding to reduce wrist strain 💺.

"Mommy Thumb" is indeed common among mothers, but it's not exclusive to them. Anyone who overuses their wrists can develop De Quervain's tenosynovitis. With proper care and TCM conditioning, symptoms can be effectively alleviated, preventing the condition from worsening 🌿. If wrist pain persists or worsens, it's advisable to seek professional medical attention promptly.

Written by: Jesiie, TCM Practitioner