How to Get Relief From Mommy’s Thumb

Picking up and cradling your new little one helps both of you connect and unwind. But it also engages muscles you probably never noticed before!

Sometimes, the repetitive lifting and shifting of a newborn — or even pushing a stroller — can produce new aches and strains.

A frequently reported issue is often dubbed “mommy thumb” because many new mothers (as well as fathers or other caretakers) experience this temporary hand pain.

Mommy thumb can affect anyone. It most commonly appears in people aged 30 to 50 years old, and women are three times more likely than men to develop it.

Below is an overview of this frequent wrist and thumb problem and ways to find relief.

What is mommy thumb?

You might also hear mommy thumb referred to as:

• baby wrist
• cradle thumb
• de Quervain’s tenosynovitis (also called de Quervain’s tendonitis, syndrome, or disease)

This condition arises when the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist become inflamed or swollen. Tendons act like “ropes” connecting muscles to bone. You can notice the ones on the back of the thumb when you point your thumb away from your fingers.

What are the symptoms of mommy thumb?

Some new caregivers describe mommy thumb as a sharp or aching pain at the base of the thumb or on the thumb side of the wrist. You may also notice swelling. Pain can extend from the wrist up to the thumb.

Pain, swelling, and sensitivity from mommy thumb can make it hard to grasp, hold, or pinch items. Your thumb might feel stiff and sore when you try to move it. Discomfort can occur even while you’re supporting your baby’s head in your open palm.

In more severe instances, a small bump or nodule can form at the base of the thumb. You may also perceive a snapping sound or feel the thumb “catch” or lock when moving it. This happens when the swollen tendon can no longer glide smoothly.

What causes mommy thumb?

The precise cause isn’t always clear because different factors can contribute. Hand changes or injuries can trigger this condition. Any activity that repeatedly strains the thumb tendons can lead to mommy thumb.

Activities such as gardening, painting, tennis, typing, and repeatedly lifting or holding a baby may contribute. Overuse or excessive bending of the thumb can produce tiny tears within or around the tendon — a repetitive strain injury (RSI).

New mothers often notice symptoms about 4 to 6 weeks postpartum. Hormonal shifts and swelling during this period can compress the thumb tendons and muscles.

Pregnant people can also develop mommy thumb because of hormonal changes, swelling, and repetitive hand use. One medical study suggested that higher estrogen levels may increase the likelihood of developing this condition in some individuals.

Fathers and other caregivers can get mommy thumb too, particularly if they lift a baby or toddler repeatedly throughout the day.

If you have a chronic joint disorder like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, your thumb and wrist tendons might be more vulnerable to injury, raising your risk of mommy thumb.

How can you treat mommy thumb at home?

Often, mommy thumb improves on its own with time. Minimize use of your thumb, wrist, and hand as the tendon recovers.

Though that advice can feel impractical with a newborn, try alternatives — such as baby wearing instead of always holding your infant in your arms or using your forearms to push a stroller on even terrain — to reduce repetitive movements.

In mild cases, adjusting how you perform daily tasks can ease symptoms. Observe how you position your hands and posture when carrying and nursing your baby.

Also remember to rest and gently stretch your hand and wrist throughout the day.

Home strategies that may ease mommy thumb include:

• experimenting with different feeding and holding positions
• using a sling and supportive pillow to take some weight off your hands
• taking multiple short breaks instead of trying to complete a task in one go

Contrast therapy can help reduce pain and swelling. Try alternating:

• Heat: use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm water.
• Cold: use a damp towel, cool water, or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth.

A splint can immobilize your thumb and wrist while the tendon heals. Consult your healthcare provider about the most suitable splint or brace for mommy thumb.

Splints are usually made of sturdy fabric and lightweight plastic with adjustable straps for comfort. You can remove it for sleep and wear it during the day when you’re active.

Also, if you notice repetitive thumb issues like thumb twitching, mention that to your provider as it can help in tailoring care.

What medications can help mommy thumb?

Over-the-counter options include pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to ease discomfort and reduce swelling. These include:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• naproxen (Aleve)

Check with your physician or midwife about safety if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can exercise relieve or prevent mommy thumb?

Exercises that stretch and relax the thumb, hands, and wrists can both treat and help prevent mommy thumb. Ask your provider before beginning these gentle physiotherapy moves.

Thumb lift

1. Place your hand flat with the palm facing up.
2. Lift and curl your thumb across your palm to form a “C”.
3. Hold for about 6 seconds.
4. Repeat up to 12 times.

Passive thumb flexion

1. Hold your hand as if offering a handshake.
2. Use your other hand to bend the thumb downward at the base where your palm meets the thumb.
3. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds.
4. Repeat up to 4 times.

Finkelstein stretch

1. Extend both arms in front of you with palms facing up.
2. Bend your affected thumb toward your palm.
3. Use your other hand to gently pull your thumb and wrist toward your forearm until you feel a stretch along the thumb side of the wrist.
4. Hold at least 15 seconds and repeat up to 4 times.

When should you see a doctor for mommy thumb?

Contact your healthcare provider if mommy thumb doesn’t improve within 2 to 4 weeks or if the pain is intense.

Some people need professional treatment in addition to home care and exercises. Medical treatments may include:

• corticosteroid injection (cortisone shot) into the tendon to reduce inflammation and pain
• surgery to relieve tendon pressure
• physiotherapy to ease strain and improve hand function

The takeaway

Mommy thumb is a common wrist and thumb ailment that can affect anyone. It’s often associated with new parenthood because of hormone changes and the repetitive stresses of holding and feeding a baby.

Most cases improve with home care such as rest, pain relief, and cold therapy. More severe situations may require medical interventions to lower inflammation and support tendon recovery.