Wrist and Hand Pain

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is a common condition among pregnant women and postnatal mothers. The tendons from the thumb to the wrist become inflamed, and this causes persistent pain at the wrist. It is known as Mother's wrist or Mother's thumb.

Causes

  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy
  • Overuse of the thumb and repeated wrist motions
  • Repeated use of thumb and wrist during breastfeeding or expression of breastmilk may lead to Mother's Hand. Improper gestures, e.g. lifting up a baby with the L-shaped thumb and finger position may aggravate the wrist pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Hormonal changes during pregnancy increases oedema in the carpal tunnel, causing compression on the nerve. This causes pain and numbness in the hands.

Ways to prevent or reduce wrist pain

  1. Keep wrist and fingers in a neutral position. Avoid excessive flexion of wrist and thumb
  2. Avoid lifting the baby under the arms with L-shaped thumb and index finger position
  3. Support the baby's buttocks, neck and head with palms
    • When cradle the baby, support his body and buttocks with forearm. The hand should be in line with the forearm
    • Avoid L-shaped thumb and finger position. Don't overstrain the thumb
    • Use left and right hand alternately. Rest the wrists and thumbs regularly
  4. Do more stretching exercise

Set 1

  1. With palm inward, wrap thumb with the other fingers and form a fist
  2. Bend your wrist down until you feel a slight stretch. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds
  3. Repeat 5 to 10 times as one set. Perform 1 set every hour

Set 2

  1. Raise the straighten arm with wrist pain. With palm facing down. Pull the finger up with the other hand. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds
  2. Repeat 5 to 10 times as one set. Perform 1 set every hour

Consult a family doctor if the hand pain persists.

(The information is prepared by the Department of Health and the physiotherapy department of Hospital Authority)