Mummy thumb/wrist - PAINFUL!

[Unicornsandstarsxo]

Morning lovelies,

My DD is nearly 12 months old but over the last few weeks my thumb and up to my wrist has started to really hurt! I’ve contacted my GP but the nearest appointment they have is end of June. Obviously I’m not a doctor but from my symptoms and what I’ve ready online it’s called Mummy thumb/wrist from holding/picking little one up. My DD is clingy and does require to be held a lot especially when it comes to sleepy time.

I was just wondering if anyone has experienced this and if so do you have any advice which could help? Everyday task are becoming difficult :(

Thanks so much!

I wouldn't presume that is all it us until you've seen a doctor.

I have terrible pain in my thumbs but I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and being prone to tendinitis back in 2017. It's been improved by powerlifting as that has strengthened the joint supporting muscles but if my kids or hubby grab my hand and squeeze the thumb it can be quite painful. My hands also don't work as they should, I have to concentrate when picking up or holding something, I drop things a lot thinking I have a good hold when I actually don't.

Yes definitely get it checked out but while you're waiting, I found a wrist support really helped. Get a strong one with a Velcro fastening and wear it at night to ease swelling. I still get pain in both wrists occasionally now and my youngest is two!

I appreciate that it might not actually be what I’m thinking it is, but my doctors appointment isn’t until the end of June as that’s all they have. I have read into what I’m thinking it is quite extensively actually (I am bit of an over thinker in regards to health) and what I have matches everything in every single way (again doesn’t mean it is - I get that) but if anyone had any advice on how they managed their actual diagnosed mummy thumb and it helped me then that would be amazing until my doctors appointment finally rolled around.

@skylarkdescending

Yes definitely get it checked out but while you're waiting, I found a wrist support really helped. Get a strong one with a Velcro fastening and wear it at night to ease swelling. I still get pain in both wrists occasionally now and my youngest is two!

That’s brilliant. Thank you. I was thinking about a Velcro wrist support thingy actually because I think it might help reduce movement.. I think? I think I might give it a try because anything is better than nothing! Thank you x

What's the result? I've got so much pain in my left wrist and very sure it's from picking up my 12w old as I never had issues with my wrist or arm or hand. Left is my main baby carry arm and it's now starting on my right side since I try to avoid using the left arm. Help. Already wearing velcro support since weeks and it's only getting worse.

I've been the same with my wrist since having DS in July (she's now 3 months!) Do the wrist supports help? My knees are terrible too since having baby 🙈 feel like I'm falling apart!!

I had the sore wrists and hands, diagnosed as De Quervains. A bit like tendinitis. I had both wrists injected with steroid, guided by ultrasound, sorted it out v quickly. Then we’re to adjust how I was picking up the kids.

It does help carrying her as I feel I already lost muscles and strength in this hand/wrist so I feel safer picking her up having the support but it didn't help with pain. Have been for postnatal check last Friday and all GP recommended was Ibuprofen gel, wearing wrist support and trying to rest (haha what a joke..) which I'm doing since 4+ weeks. I guess I have to start taking Ibuprofen to help the inflammation. And cooling might help but my daughter doesn't like being put down so all not as easy.

Agree with De Quervains syndrome - like carpal tunnel but different tendon sheath.
My DH caused his by pushing a heavy pram one handed & casual baby lifting technique.
Wrist supports, steroid injections, different movements.