It’s still better than giving you the finger

Mommy thumb. I have to admit I’d never heard of it, in spite of having three children, most of them big babies. But the condition is real and increasing in frequency -- often times surgical treatment is necessary and this condition may be preventable.

The first symptom is often a searing sharp pain which runs down the length of the thumb to the wrist and eventually up the forearm. The condition may be diagnosed by an orthopedic doctor. While commonly called mommy thumb, the medical condition is known De Quervain’s tendinitis. It is an inflammation of the tendons below the thumb. Although the condition is not new, a combination of older new moms, heavier children, cribs and other children’s equipment which is low to the floor, and the ever present smart phone has increased diagnoses beyond the norm. Up to one half of new moms are expected to experience this problem in the coming year.

When common pain relievers and over the counter anti-inflamatories don’t help, moms can go for steroid injections, splints and eventually surgery. The condition is not restricted to moms, dads get it too and people over 40 are three times as susceptible.

To avoid the stress on the thumbs, try scooping the baby up and avoiding the “L” shape hand position lifting the baby up from his or her armpits. Be sure to put a pillow under the baby’s head while nursing rather than supporting the weight exclusively with your hand.

Source: Wall Street Journal