Rose Jenner, one of our Osteopaths at Blackberry Clinic Milton Keynes, explains what this common syndrome is and how it got this nickname!
At Blackberry Clinic we have a multi disciplinary team of MSK medicine Doctors, Sport & Exercise Medicine doctors, Pain Medicine Doctors, physios, chiropractors and osteopaths who are all able to treat a huge variety of conditions affecting the back, joints and muscles of the body.
What is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis/Mum’s Thumb?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis often presents as wrist pain near your thumb which can be aggravated by lifting, gripping or repetitive use of the thumb. The tendons in this area become inflamed and swollen which leads to pain when completing certain movements with the thumb or wrist. The severity of this condition can range between mild discomfort to severe pain.
Who can get De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis/Mum’s Thumb?
Anyone can get De Quervain’s but you are more susceptible if you are female and aged between 30-50 years old. A sub-group of people within this criteria who are even more prone to this condition are new mums, hence the nickname – Mum’s Thumb!
Why is it more common in new mums?
Postpartum women experience a huge change in hormone levels after giving birth, this can increase their risk of developing joint pain as they are very mobile. Studies have also shown that increased estrogen can be a factor in the severity of the condition. They are also prone to swelling which can increase the pressure within the wrist and make the tendons more susceptible to irritation in the area. As Mum’s Thumb is thought to be an overuse injury, it could be that the sudden increase in using the thumb to pick up, hold and cradle the baby for extended periods of time is also a main factor in the development of this condition. It can also effect non-birth mothers as well as other caregivers.
What can we do to help at Blackberry Clinic?
As your baby grows and becomes heavier, the strain on your thumb will increase. It is recommended that you are examined by one of our practitioners to confirm if De Quervain’s is the correct diagnosis. At Blackberry Clinic we offer a range of treatments that can be suitable for this condition, including:
· Physical Therapy
· Exercises
· Acupuncture
· Steroid Injections
As a new mum (or dad!) the last thing you want to be worrying about it feeling pain when holding your baby. As soon as you start to feel any twinges in the thumb or wrist, try to alter the way you hold the baby by avoiding the ‘thumbs under the arms’ technique. Using a sling or baby carrier for extended periods of holding or using pillows when sitting to reduce any strain through the wrist can all help to prevent this condition developing.
De Quervain’s is treatable so please do not hesitate to contact us for more advice or information.
Give yourself a thumbs up!
Literature reviewed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11370952/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S200529011300215X
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4661827/
