De Quervain's disease

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2018.12.21

Mother’s Thumb Syndrome (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis)

Commonly known as "Mommy’s Thumb," De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and pain around the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Many patients, especially new mothers, experience this due to repetitive thumb and wrist movements, such as holding and caring for an infant. This leads to wrist pain, swelling, and difficulty performing everyday tasks.

What Are the Causes?

Chronic overuse or repetitive thumb and wrist motions.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Poor wrist and thumb positioning when lifting a baby or performing daily tasks.
Certain professions involving frequent thumb use can also be affected.

What Are the Symptoms of acute Mommy’s Thumb?

Wrist pain and tenderness on the thumb side, even when the thumb is at rest.
Redness and swelling around the wrist.
Severe pain when gripping or rotating the wrist.
A sensation of warmth and reduced skin folds around the wrist due to swelling.

What Are the Symptoms of chronic Mommy’s Thumb?

Mild swelling with pain occurring mostly during wrist movement or exertion.

How to Perform A Self-check?

Extend your arm and make a fist with the four fingers wrapped over the thumb.
Gently press the thumb toward the little finger. If this causes or worsens pain around the base of the thumb, it indicates possible Mommy’s Thumb.
This is also a thumb muscle stretching exercise.

How to Cure Mommy’s Thumb?

Acute cases:

Rest and ice application.
Elevate the wrist above heart level for about 30 minutes multiple times a day.

Chronic cases:

Massage forearm muscles.
Use heat therapy.
Rest the wrist.
Perform recommended thumb stretching exercises.

If symptoms persist, consult a doctor who may prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, or topical pain relief creams. Physical therapy may also be recommended.

Physical Therapy:

Ultrasound therapy, interferential therapy, acupuncture, and magnetic therapy can reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing.
Magnetic therapy uses high-frequency magnetic fields to accelerate recovery. Typically, 6–8 treatments for acute cases and 10–12 for chronic ones are required.

Exercises:

Finger extension strengthening: Use a rubber band around all five fingers, spread them apart for 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat for about 3 minutes, 2–3 times daily.
Wrist flexor stretch: Extend the left forearm with the palm facing up, and gently pull the left palm upwards with the right hand, holding 5 seconds. Repeat 20–30 times.
Supportive devices: Wear wrist braces and use kinesiology tape to protect injured joints during recovery.

Mommy’s Thumb generally improves with rest and appropriate treatment, but persistent pain should prompt further medical evaluation.

Hong Kong Registered Physiotherapist

The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only.
You should consult your doctor regarding surgical methods and not rely solely on the information provided here.

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