Mommy Thumb

What is Mommy Thumb?

Although the name contains "Mommy," this condition is not exclusive to mothers.

"Mommy Thumb" is medically known as "De Quervain's Tenosynovitis." It is a type of stenosing tenosynovitis that occurs on the thumb side of the wrist.

Simply put, the two tendons that control our thumb movements (the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis) pass through a narrow tendon sheath on the side of the wrist. If these tendons or the sheath become inflamed and swollen due to overuse or friction, the tendons get stuck during movement, causing pain.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of Mommy Thumb usually develop gradually, but they can also worsen suddenly. Common presentations include:

Pain at the base of the thumb and side of the wrist: This is the most typical symptom. The pain may radiate down into the thumb or up into the forearm.
Pain aggravated by specific movements: Pain becomes particularly sharp when grasping, making a fist, twisting (such as opening a jar lid or wringing a towel), or lifting the thumb.
Swelling and Tenderness: Swelling may appear at the root of the thumb on the wrist side, and it feels painful when pressed.
Catching or friction sensation: When moving the thumb, you may sometimes feel the tendon "catching" or hear a "clicking" friction sound.
Decreased grip strength: Difficulty in applying force to grasp objects due to pain.

Who is at Risk?

Anyone who requires repetitive use of the thumb or wrist deviation is susceptible. High-risk groups include:

New Parents/Caregivers: Due to frequently lifting babies with incorrect posture (especially opening the thumb wide to support the baby's head/neck), or breastfeeding and changing diapers for extended periods.
Office Workers & Heavy Electronics Users: Long-term use of a mouse, or frequent texting/typing with the thumb.
Manual Laborers: Chefs, craftspeople, etc.
Specific Sports Enthusiasts: Such as sports requiring forceful gripping of a racket or club.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy or postpartum can lead to fluid retention in tissues, increasing the risk of developing the condition.

Physiotherapy Treatment:

After a detailed assessment, our physiotherapists will determine the most suitable professional treatment plan for you, which may include:

Modalities: Such as Shockwave Therapy, Ultrasound, Electrotherapy, etc.
Splinting & Taping Advice
Therapeutic Exercise: Such as gentle stretching and progressive muscle strengthening.
Manual Therapy / Acupuncture
Posture Correction

Home Care & Prevention

Adjust lifting/working posture: Avoid opening the thumb too wide or forcefully twisting the wrist.
Moderate Rest & Ice: During the acute pain phase, reduce the use of the affected hand and apply ice moderately to help alleviate pain.
Wear a Brace: Follow the physiotherapist's advice and wear a thumb spica splint during activities.
Chronic Phase Care: Perform moderate exercise and apply heat.
Avoid Pain-Inducing Movements: Temporarily reduce actions that trigger pain.
Use Both Hands Alternately: Try to distribute the load between both hands to avoid overworking one side.

When to Seek Professional Help?

Pain on the side of the wrist persists for more than a week and does not improve with rest.
Pain has begun to affect daily functions (e.g., unable to hold a cup, pick up a child, or type on a computer).
Thumb range of motion is significantly limited, or there is a severe sensation of locking/catching.
Symptoms remain unrelieved even after wearing an over-the-counter brace.

Enquiry or Appointment

Phone: 6706 1944
Address: Shop UG13, Upper Ground Floor, Ka Wai Plaza, 24 Ma Tau Wai Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon