thread: Thumb/Wrist Pain!!!

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Aug 2008
    Brisbane, QLD
    161

    Unhappy Thumb/Wrist Pain!!!

    I have been diagnosed with "De Quervains Tenosynovitis", or more commonly "washer woman's sprain". It is incredibly painful, especially when home alone with 3.5 month old DD. I have an appointment to see an OT Hand Therapist, but am not sure what to do about the pain in the mean time.

    I've heard wrist pain is common in new mums. Has anyone else had this? What did you do?

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    in a super happy place!
    1,008

    I had it too! Also called Mothers Wrist . I used Voltarin Gel on mine and it actually really helped. I also had to become really aware of how I was using my hand, including spending time not texting and being on the computer, and being carefully when picking up and carrying DS. I had the option of wearing a wrist guard but didn't. Mine is heaps better now although I do have weakness in my thumb still occasionally.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Sep 2008
    Adelaide
    3,201

    I had issues when I was BF and discovered it was the way I was holding DS that was causing the wrist pain - once I became aware of the issue and changes it, it went away!

  4. #4
    BellyBelly Member

    Sep 2007
    799

    I had the same thing, and as MummyNaomi said, it was mainly caused by the way I would hold DD when BF. I saw a physio, and had some ultrasound treatment on it, as well as using nurofen jel, and also was given some wrist splints, which I wore infrequently as they were just impractical with a baby! Until you can get to see someone, definately try some nurofen jel or similar, and maybe try to focus on what things aggrevate it, so that you can adapt things.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Melbourne
    2,008

    I had it too. I got a pressure wrist support band from the chemist and I found that it really helped.