De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (Mum Thumb): Why Postpartum Wrist Pain Is So Common — and What Actually Helps
Postpartum wrist pain isn’t “just part of motherhood.”
Mum Thumb (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis) is a common, treatable condition linked to lifting, feeding posture, and hormonal changes after pregnancy. Early, conservative care helps prevent chronic pain.
Mum Thumb.
Motherhood changes everything — your sleep, your routines, your nervous system… and surprisingly often, your wrists.
If you’re a new mum experiencing sharp pain at the base of your thumb, aching through your wrist, or discomfort every time you lift your baby, feed, text, or grip everyday objects, you’re not alone. One of the most common — and least talked about — postpartum injuries is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, more affectionately known as “Mum Thumb.”
This condition can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming at a time when your body is already doing an enormous amount of work. The good news? With early recognition and the right support, Mum Thumb responds very well to gentle, conservative, and holistic care.
This guide breaks down what’s really happening, why it’s so common postpartum, and how to recover without rushing into injections or surgery — all while caring for your baby.
What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is an inflammatory condition affecting two specific tendons that control thumb movement:
Abductor pollicis longus (APL)
Extensor pollicis brevis (EPB)
These tendons run side-by-side from the forearm, through a narrow tunnel (tendon sheath) at the thumb side of the wrist, and into the thumb. Their job is to help you grip, lift, pinch, and stabilise objects.
When these tendons are overloaded, compressed, or repeatedly strained, the sheath becomes irritated and thickened. This creates friction every time the thumb moves — leading to pain, swelling, and reduced movement.
In postpartum women, this overload happens fast and often.
Why “Mum Thumb” Is So Common After Pregnancy and Birth
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis isn’t exclusive to mothers — but new mums and caregivers make up the largest group of sufferers worldwide.
That’s not a coincidence.
1. Repetitive Lifting With Poor Wrist Mechanics
Most babies are lifted with thumbs splayed wide and wrists bent back — especially when lifting under the arms. This puts the thumb tendons under constant tension, often hundreds of times per day.
2. Sustained Feeding Positions
Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and contact naps often involve:
Bent wrists
Static holding positions
Minimal arm support
Over time, this creates tendon fatigue rather than recovery.
3. Hormonal Changes Affecting Joint Stability
Pregnancy and postpartum hormones (especially relaxin and oestrogen) increase joint laxity. While helpful for birth, this can leave wrists and thumbs less stable and more vulnerable to strain in the months after delivery.
4. Fluid Retention and Tissue Compression
Postpartum swelling can narrow tendon sheaths, increasing pressure and friction with movement.
5. Nervous System Load and Fatigue
Sleep deprivation, stress, and nervous system overload reduce tissue healing capacity — making small strains more likely to turn into chronic pain.
6. The “Phone Scroll Factor”
Feeding + scrolling + one-handed thumb use = repetitive strain. It absolutely counts.
Common Symptoms of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Mum Thumb doesn’t always arrive suddenly. Often it builds gradually before becoming unmistakable.
Common signs include:
Pain at the base of the thumb (thumb-side wrist)
Ache radiating into the forearm
Swelling or tenderness along the wrist
Reduced grip strength
Pain when lifting baby, twisting lids, or wringing cloths
Difficulty pinching or holding objects
Sharp pain with wrist deviation or thumb movement
The Finkelstein’s Test
Pain is often reproduced when the thumb is tucked into the palm, fingers wrap over it, and the wrist bends toward the little finger. A positive test is strongly suggestive — but diagnosis should always consider the full picture.
Prevention: How to Protect Your Wrists Without “Doing Less”
You don’t need to stop holding your baby — but how you hold them matters.
Lift Differently
Instead of lifting under the arms with flared thumbs:
Scoop baby with one hand supporting the head/neck
Use the other hand under the bottom or torso
Keep wrists neutral and thumbs relaxed
Support Feeding Positions
Use pillows, rolled towels, or breastfeeding cushions so your arms can rest — not hold — baby’s full weight.
Alternate Sides Often
Switch arms regularly to avoid overloading one wrist.
Keep Wrists Neutral
Especially during feeds, carrying, and phone use.
Micro-Movement Matters
Gentle movement throughout the day prevents stiffness and reduces tendon irritation.
Holistic Treatment Options for Mum Thumb
For many mums, the goal is effective relief without medications or invasive procedures — especially while breastfeeding.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care looks beyond the wrist alone.
Postpartum wrist pain is often linked to:
Cervical spine tension affecting nerve input to the arm
Shoulder and elbow restrictions altering load through the wrist
Postural changes from feeding and carrying
Nervous system overload affecting tissue healing
Gentle, postpartum-appropriate chiropractic care may include:
Neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist adjustments
Soft tissue and fascial release (+/- Active Release Therapy)
Red laser therapy
Postural and ergonomic education
Nervous system regulation strategies
Care is always tailored to comfort, safety, and stage of recovery.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help:
Reduce local inflammation
Improve blood flow
Modulate pain signalling
Support tissue healing
Balance your Qi
Many postpartum women report meaningful symptom relief when used alongside manual care.
Kinesiology Taping
KT taping supports the wrist and thumb while allowing movement — reducing strain without rigid immobilisation. It’s breastfeeding-safe and often offers immediate functional relief.
Nutritional and Supplement Support
Anti-inflammatory nutrition supports recovery:
Omega-3 fats (fish, flax, chia)
Leafy greens and berries
Turmeric and ginger
Some mums benefit from magnesium or collagen support — always guided by a qualified practitioner postpartum.
Gentle Home Exercises (Pain-Free Only)
Movement should never worsen symptoms.
Thumb extensor stretch: Thumb tucked, wrist gently toward pinky, hold 10–15s
Tendon glides: Slow thumb movement across palm and back
Wrist circles: Small, controlled ranges
Forearm release: Massage ball or gentle kneading
Consistency matters more than intensity.
When to Seek Professional Help
Get assessed if:
Pain is worsening or persistent
Daily tasks are affected
Swelling or weakness is increasing
Symptoms last more than 2–3 weeks
Pain interferes with caring for your baby
Early care prevents chronic tendon thickening and longer recovery times.
At Nomad Chiropractic, care is gentle, family-focused, and tailored for pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting bodies — supporting healing without unnecessary force or fear.
Caring for the Carer
Mum Thumb isn’t a failure of strength — it’s a sign of a body working hard under new demands.
Postpartum care isn’t just about babies. It’s about supporting the hands, wrists, neck, and nervous system doing the daily lifting, holding, soothing, and nurturing.
With the right support, recovery is not only possible — it’s expected.
Top 5 FAQs: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (Mum Thumb)
1. Is Mum Thumb caused by breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding doesn’t cause Mum Thumb directly, but prolonged wrist positioning without support can contribute to tendon overload.
2. Can De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve, but without addressing posture, lifting mechanics, and load, symptoms often persist or return.
3. Is chiropractic care safe postpartum?
Yes — when provided by a practitioner trained in postpartum and family care, chiropractic is gentle, safe, and tailored to recovery.
4. Do I need a wrist brace?
Temporary bracing may help short-term, but long-term recovery requires movement retraining and load management.
5. When is imaging or medical referral needed?
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or not responding to conservative care, referral may be appropriate — but most cases improve without injections or surgery.
Why Choose Nomad Chiropractic for Postpartum Care?
Mothers across Sydney’s North Shore choose Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman because we:
Provide gentle, tailored postpartum chiropractic care
Support both physical and emotional recovery
Offer Webster-certified techniques for pelvic balance
Care for mums and babies together, creating family-centred support
Collaborate with local pelvic floor physios, doulas, and midwives
From easing pain to restoring alignment and supporting your nervous system, we’re here to help you feel more like yourself again.
If wrist or thumb pain is making motherhood harder than it needs to be, a gentle assessment can help you understand what’s happening — and what will actually help.
Support your recovery the same way you support your baby: thoughtfully, patiently, and with care.
Want to learn more? Book a FREE 15min discovery call with one of our Sydney Pregnancy & Postpartum Chiropractors today: Book HERE
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Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individualised medical advice. Chiropractic care is not a replacement for obstetric or medical care. All care provided at Nomad Chiropractic is tailored to individual needs following a thorough clinical assessment. Results may vary. Please consult with your healthcare provider to determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for you. -
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De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis — often called Mum Thumb — is a common cause of wrist and thumb pain in new mothers. Repetitive lifting, feeding postures, hormonal changes, and nervous system load all contribute. With early, gentle care focused on wrist mechanics, posture, and nervous system support, most postpartum women recover without injections or surgery.