Help! My Thumb hurts when I lift my baby.

'Mummy's Thumb,' 'Texters thumb' and 'Gamers Thumb' are some of the street names for De Quervain Syndrome (also known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.) It refers to irritation, inflammation and degeneration of the tendons at the base of the thumb joint.

It is linked to repetitive movements or overuse of the wrist and thumb, which is why it is a common condition experienced by mums due to the fact that they have to lift and carry their child multiple times a day. And whilst some people who are experiencing this syndrome may be able to adapt to different ways of working, it can sometimes be more difficult for mums to do this.

According to eastern medicine, tendon issues can be linked to being tired and run down and the body not repairing itself properly. Since mums are running on empty most of the time, you can understand why mums are more prone to these types of conditions.

Signs and symptoms

• Pain over the thumb side of the wrist

• Pain when making a fist, grasping or holding

• Pain that radiates down the thumb or up the forearm

• Pain increases with movement

• There may be an occasional ‘snapping’ or ‘catching’ when moving the thumb.

How to help alleviate symptoms of De Quervains Syndrome

• Active rest - whilst this may not be ideal for some mums, it is important when you can, to rest your hands and wrists. Or if this is not possible, try to avoid aggravating movements. For example, when you pick up your child, try to keep the thumbs close to the other fingers.

• Heat - keeping your hands warm whether with gloves or by holding heat pads will help to bring fresh blood and oxygen to the area.

• Strengthening exercises - will help to strengthen the muscles, tendons and joints. Try extending your thumb away from fingers and holding for 10 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times a day. Check out my video of exercises for Carpal Tunnel, which are also good for De Quervains Syndrome. Remember to stop the exercises if you start to feel pain.

• Post Natal Clinical Massage - is a holistic treatment which aims to get to the root cause of pain. Working with the biopsychosocial model of pain, it doesn't just look at the area of pain, but treats the whole body for longer lasting relief. (Think how eastern medicine believes tendon issues are closely related to being tired and run down, clinical massage addresses the WHOLE PERSON providing a targeted and relaxing treatment.)

If you are experiencing symptoms of De Quervains Syndrome, please get in touch to find out whether Post Natal Clinical Massage is suitable for you.

07920194241

bloomandgrowmassage@yahoo.com