Wrist Pain from carrying baby

[Mirrhi]

Since having my DS 16 weeks ago I've developed pain in my left wrist. I've looked online and found there is a recognised condition from carrying, picking up baby etc, called De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, which seems likely. I'm wondering if it's worth visiting GP or not, as I suspect all they'll say is to take painkillers, rest it and maybe wear a wrist support. Resting it is not really going to be possible, although I'm making sure I use the other arm to take most of DSs weight as farxas possible, and the rest I can do anyway.

Has anyone else had this and if so did you go to GP and what did they say?

Thanks xx

[Martorana]

I had this. What helped me was dressing my babies in clothes that I could pick them up by. Sounds odd, but grabbing a handful of babygro and picking them up like that made a huge difference very quickly. Just don't get baby gros that popper down the back.......

It's a tip I learned from a friend who has quite severe physical disabilities but cares for her babies with complete calm and confidence.

[NotCitrus]

Probably worth getting it checked out.
I have wrist and hand problems and used to put my baby down on a blanket, so could pick up by picking up the corners. Loose clothing also worked. Can also scoop them up with a forearm and hold close to your body - once they are really good with holding heads up it's easier, as you can bounce them a little up into your arms.

[casper11]

Hi. Please go and see your gp. I had pain in my right wrist for months and then into both wrists after trying to use my left wrist more. The first gp was next to useless. Said painkillers and support. Which didn't ease the pain. Eventually I saw another gp. Who injected steroid into the area. It hurt for a few days. But was pain free for 6 months. Then had it repeated. Hopefully I won't need it again. I hope u find a sympathetic gp willing to help. X

[notjustamummythankyou]

I had this with both of my dcs, and so did my dsis with hers. Mine was down to how i held them while bf'ing, I think.

I did go to the docs and was advised to take ibruprofen regularly for a few days to reduce the inflammation. I tried to become more aware of how I held them and modified it when I could. It did pass in the end ... Only to be replaced with upper back pain when carrying them on my hip!

It's a dangerous business this parenting lark .. Hope it passes soon. (The pain, not the parenting! )

[notasausage]

Do you lift/ carry your baby in the car seat and do you use a pushchair - particularly if you need to lift it out and in a car. I had tendinitis in both wrists but worse in my right. When I stopped lifting the car seat in and out the car and used a wrap rather than pushchair more it helped significantly. With DD1 I lost so much grip strength I couldn't open jars.

[Mirrhi]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I've been taking ibuprofen but it doesnt seem to make much of a difference. I have modified how I lift and carry him, fortunately he's got good head control so I can bounce him a bit into the right position. I find it's any movement that twists my wrist or uses my thumb that really triggers it, door handles are a nightmare!
I do carry him in the car seat or pram top quite a bit, our house has lots of steps to the door so have to take the pram base down first then carry him down after in whatever part I'm using. Can't really think of a practical way to change that, other than move house! Unfortunately he hates any wrap or sling I've tried so far.
I think I'll speak to HV on Thursday about it, see what she suggests.

[elizabeth27]

I had this with my first daughter - only in one wrist and it disappeared for me as soon as I stopped breastfeeding. However I didn't get it with my second daughter which I was kind of expecting...hope it gets better soon

[Nancery]

Oh my god, I've got this too! It's come on over the last few weeks. Thanks for posting OP, hope it improves soon (my DS is nearly two so quite heavy!)

[RockinD]

I had a cortisone injection for mine - that fixed it very quickly.