Key Takeaways:
- The condition develops due to irritation and swelling of the thumb-side wrist tendons, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Although commonly associated with the postnatal period, repeated wrist strain from daily activities can also contribute to the condition.
- From a TCM perspective, postnatal wrist pain is linked to Qi and blood stagnation caused by physical strain and postnatal changes.
Introduction
Wrist pain that lingers long after childbirth is a common but often overlooked concern among new mothers. Known medically as De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, this issue is more commonly referred to as mummy’s wrist or “mother’s hand”. It causes discomfort along the thumb side of the wrist, making everyday tasks feel painful and restrictive.
Due to its impact on daily activities, the condition prompts closer attention to its underlying causes. Understanding it from both a biomedical and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective can help individuals recognise symptoms early and seek appropriate care.
What You Need to Know
Mummy’s wrist occurs when the tendons that control thumb movement become irritated and swollen. This wrist tendon inflammation develops within the tendon sheath, leading to pain and stiffness around the wrist joint. Although commonly linked to the postnatal period, this condition is not exclusive to new mothers. Repeated wrist strain from activities such as typing, scrolling, gardening, or similar hand movements can also give rise to its development.
In Western medicine, De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis treatment covers rest, splinting, or targeted therapy to reduce inflammation. These options focus on managing symptoms while also considering underlying strain patterns.
How TCM Views Postnatal Wrist Pain
From a TCM viewpoint, mummy’s wrist is commonly linked to stagnation of Qi and blood in the wrist channels. Pregnancy and childbirth can temporarily weaken the body’s Qi and blood circulation. When combined with repetitive wrist use and physical strain, this can lead to blockage around the wrist joint, resulting in pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Postnatal hormonal fluctuations may further trigger stagnation, making new mothers particularly susceptible. Without timely intervention, the stagnation can persist and cause recurring discomfort even months after delivery.
What are the Common Causes?
In many cases, mummy’s wrist develops gradually as multiple contributing factors place strain on the wrist over time. These include:
- Repetitive wrist and thumb movements from baby care, computer use, gaming, or mobile phone scrolling
- Hormonal changes after childbirth that affect tendon elasticity
- Prolonged overuse leading to irritation and swelling of the tendon sheath
What are Some of the Early Symptoms?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis does not always begin with severe pain. For some individuals, symptoms start subtly and become more noticeable over time, particularly during repetitive movements or when lifting objects. As the condition progresses, discomfort may begin to interfere with daily life. Common signs include:
- Pain and swelling on the thumb side of the wrist
- Pain that radiates into the forearm
- Difficulty gripping objects or moving the thumb
- A snapping sensation or stiffness when moving the wrist
How TCM Approaches the Condition
TCM focuses on restoring circulation, easing tension, and supporting the body’s natural recovery processes. For individuals seeking TCM care for wrist pain support, treatment plans are often personalised and may include a combination of the following approaches.
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is commonly used to encourage Qi and blood flow around the wrist and forearm. Specific points are selected based on the individual’s presentation.
- LI 5 (阳溪, Yangxi), located near the wrist crease at the base of the thumb, is traditionally used to address wrist joint discomfort and swelling.
- LI 4 (合谷, Hegu), found between the thumb and index finger, is associated with promoting circulation and easing pain along the upper limb.
2. Tuina Massage
Tuina involves manual techniques and acupressure to release muscular tension and improve joint mobility. For individuals experiencing this issue, wrist pain massage techniques may be incorporated to help ease stiffness and support functional movement. When applied appropriately, these techniques can assist in releasing tension around the wrist and surrounding muscles.
3. Herbal Plasters and Ointments
External herbal applications are often used to provide localised support for pain relief and recovery. Typically applied to the wrist for a set period of time, they allow the herbs to act on the surrounding tissues as part of a broader treatment approach.
4. Lifestyle and Postural Guidance
TCM practitioners frequently offer guidance on modifying daily habits to reduce ongoing strain. These include adjusting how a baby is lifted, taking regular breaks from repetitive tasks, and using supportive wrist positions.
What Is the Goal of TCM Care?
The goal of TCM care is not limited to easing discomfort. It aims to relieve pain, restore wrist mobility, and rebalance Qi and blood flow to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. By addressing both physical strain and internal imbalances, individuals may find sustainable relief, particularly during the demanding postnatal period.
With TCM clinics located across Singapore, including Tampines, Liang Yi TCM offers treatment plans tailored to each individual’s condition and stage of recovery. Our practitioners consider lifestyle habits, physical strain, and postnatal recovery as interconnected factors when assessing wrist pain.
Seeking TCM care for the condition? Contact us to schedule an appointment.