De Quervain tenosynovitis (Mommy’s wrist) is a common urban disease that is part of what is known collectively as repetitive strain injury (RSI) . Most common clinical patients are people who need to perform repetitive manual work, such as people playing video games for a long time, prolonged handhold of mobile phones, housewives and chefs.
How do you diagnose and adjust Mommy's wrist? Check your hands with simple self-examination and try relieving the mommy’s wrist with physiotherapist tips.
De Quervain tenosynovitis is a painful condition caused by repetitive tendon strain in the hand. The cavity around the tendon on the thumb side swells, compressing the tendons and synovium of the extensor brevis and abductor longus muscles, narrowing the channel, inflaming and swelling the tendons and synovial membrane, causing pain on the thumb side of the wrist. In severe cases, tendons may become sticky, and the movement of the thumb and wrist may be restricted. Because many of the patients are postpartum women who need to hold their babies for a long time, or housewives who often do housework, it is also commonly known as "mommy's wrist".
Housewives are particularly susceptible to De Quervain tenosynovitis due to the repetitive nature of household chores and caregiving activities. Daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and especially lifting and carrying children involve repetitive wrist and thumb movements. These activities often require gripping and wringing motions that significantly strain the tendons in the wrist and thumb. Over time, the cumulative effect of these motions can lead to inflammation and the painful symptoms associated with De Quervain tenosynovitis. Recognising these risk factors empowers housewives to take preventative measures, such as modifying how they perform certain tasks and incorporating hand and wrist exercises into their routine, to reduce the risk of developing this condition.
The widespread (mis) use of handheld mobile devices and smartphones have led to increased cases of De Quervain. Other common conditions that may be related are:
The carpometacarpal joint is located on the outside of the thumb and is important for thumb movement. Many people hold mobile phones with one hand and slide their thumb up, down, left and right. The carpometacarpal joint exerts force repeatedly, which may cause inflammation of the carpometacarpal joint.
Trigger finger is also known as “game-boy thumbs”. When the thumb is repeatedly clicked up and down too long or with excessive force, it may cause coating. The trochlear tissue of the tendon becomes thickened, nodular, swollen and painful.
A few people will use their wrists to support the phone, resulting in tennis elbow. Holding the phone with one hand for a long time may cause muscle pain near the elbow on one side.
To diagnose Mommy's wrist, in addition to seeing a specialist for examination, a physiotherapist teaches you how to self-examine “mommy's wrist the “Finkelstein’s Test”:
If there is pain at the base of your thumb, it may mean you are suffering from "Mommy's wrist". This is called a “positive Finkelstein’s Test”.
The acute phase of mommy's wrist calls for immediate, hopeful action, and the PRICE technique offers a simple, effective roadmap to relief:
Adhering to the PRICE method helps manage symptoms and sets the foundation for a quicker, more hopeful recovery journey.
Without due intervention, the symptoms of the acute attack may persist for weeks to months and become a chronic condition that may include more restricted wrist and thumb movement and even numbness. Generally, your family doctor may prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory and refer you to physiotherapy services. A physiotherapist will provide personalized treatment for De Quervain tenosynotis conditions based on the patient's condition, such as manual therapy, electrotherapy, stretching, and strengthening exercise therapy.
1. Use the muscle band to wrap the thumb, straighten the thumb upward, hold for 5-10 seconds each time, repeat 20 to 30 times
If you are suffering from mommy's wrist or other tendon strain problems, consult your doctor as soon as possible and be referred to a physiotherapist according to your needs to help you comprehensively improve your pain.