Tenosynovitis — A Common Wrist Condition for New Mothers
Table of Contents
Holding a baby, bathing the baby, mixing formula… The repetitive childcare motions that follow childbirth place a heavy burden on the wrist. Combined with postpartum hormonal changes, tenosynovitis (De Quervain's tenosynovitis) is extremely common among women raising young children.
What is tenosynovitis?
Tenosynovitis is a condition in which the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist and the tendon sheath that surrounds them become inflamed. Its formal name is De Quervain's tenosynovitis, and pain occurs when you spread the thumb or twist the wrist.
Why it happens so often in new mothers
- Repetitive motions — The L-shaped hand position used to lift a baby strains the thumb tendons
- Hormonal changes — A drop in estrogen after childbirth weakens tendons and tendon sheaths
- Breastfeeding posture — Supporting the baby's head with the hand puts continuous pressure on the wrist
- Sleep deprivation — Lack of adequate rest needed for tissue recovery
Self-test (Finkelstein test)
Wrap your thumb inside the other four fingers to make a fist, then bend the wrist toward the little finger. If you feel a sharp pain on the thumb side of the wrist, tenosynovitis can be suspected.
Treatment and care
- Wear a wrist brace to limit excessive motion of the thumb and wrist
- Reduce sheath inflammation and support tissue recovery with acupuncture and pharmacopuncture
- Hold the baby with the entire palm for support, correcting the posture
- Use a nursing pillow to minimize the load on the wrist
- Perform wrist stretches throughout the day
Tenosynovitis improves relatively quickly when treated early, but enduring it and letting it become chronic prolongs the treatment period. If you feel wrist pain while caring for your child, please don't delay — come in for a consultation.