How to deal with postnatal wrist & thumb pain (DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis)

What Is DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis?
DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the 'Extensor Pollicis Longus and Brevis tendons of your thumb. It's that nagging pain at the side of your wrist, and it can feel very sore indeed. DeQuervain's is also known as "Mummy Thumb" because it's common during the postnatal period. 

​New mums are particularly susceptible to DeQuervain's because their hands have to work extra hard while caring for a newborn and rarely have an opportunity to rest. Furthermore, the hormone' Relaxin' is still present during the postpartum months, causing soft tissues to be weaker than usual. These factors combined can result in the thumb tendons getting very overworked and inflamed.  ​

Fortunately, 'Mummy Thumb' is only a temporary problem. As your baby grows, the demand on your hands eases which allows the tendons to recuperate, and it will eventually go away. But, whilst you are suffering in the most difficult phase of this condition, here are some tips to help you recover faster and deal with the pain more effectively. ​

Read More