What Is Mommy Thumb—and How Do You Fix It?

If your wrist or thumb aches every time you pick up your baby, pour coffee, or scroll your phone, you're not alone. A lot of new moms (and dads!) develop something called Mommy Thumb, also known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

It’s a mouthful. But the pain is real—and it’s very treatable.

What Exactly Is Mommy Thumb?

"Mommy Thumb" is irritation of the tendons that run along the thumb side of your wrist. These tendons slide through a narrow tunnel. If they get overused or inflamed, they rub against that tunnel and create pain-especially when you use your thumb to grip or lift.

Common symptoms:

• Pain at the base of the thumb or side of the wrist
• Swelling near the thumb joint
• Pain when gripping, lifting, or twisting
• Stiffness or aching that worsens with use

Sound familiar? You’re not alone, it's one of the most common injuries we see in new parents.

Why It Happens (and Why It’s Called "Mommy Thumb")

Caring for a baby means:

• Constant lifting and carrying
• Awkward wrist positions during feeding
• Repetitive motions with your thumb and wrist
• Little time for rest or recovery

Combine that with hormonal changes, decreased sleep, and stress, and it’s no surprise your wrist is protesting.

Even if you’re not a new parent, frequent texting, gaming, or working with your hands can cause the same issue.

How We Treat Mommy Thumb at Wellness Lane Chiropractic

We take a natural, hands-on approach that works with your body, not against it. Here’s how we help patients heal from Mommy Thumb:

✅ Soft Tissue Work

We use gentle techniques to reduce tension in the irritated tendons and surrounding muscles, allowing inflammation to calm down.

✅ Adjustments & Mobilization

Restoring wrist, thumb, and even elbow alignment can reduce strain and improve how your joints move together.

✅ Class IV Laser Therapy

Reduces inflammation and speeds up healing at a cellular level. Totally painless, and many moms love how quickly it helps.

✅ Bracing or Taping (if needed)

We may recommend temporary wrist support or kinesiotaping to offload stress while your tendons heal.

✅ Stretches & Strength Work

We’ll guide you through exercises to restore function, prevent recurrence, and get you back to life (and baby duty) pain-free.

What You Can Do at Home

💡 Quick Tips:

• Change how you lift. Scoop under baby’s bottom with palms facing up instead of lifting under armpits.
• Use both hands. Evenly distribute the load when carrying baby gear or groceries.
• Take short breaks. Shake out your wrists and stretch gently when nursing or bottle feeding.
• Ice the painful area. 10–15 minutes of icing 2–3 times a day can calm inflammation.
• Avoid over-gripping. Lighten your grip when texting, cooking, or driving.

When to Get Help

If your wrist pain lingers for more than a couple weeks, or if it’s starting to limit your daily life (or how you care for your baby), don’t wait. Early treatment can prevent chronic pain and long-term tendon damage.

At Wellness Lane Chiropractic in Farmers Branch, we’ll guide you through recovery-step by step-with treatments that are gentle, effective, and designed for busy people.

You Deserve to Feel Good Again

Being a parent is hard enough. You shouldn’t have to deal with wrist pain on top of everything else.

📍 Located in Farmers Branch, TX
📞 Call us at 214-214-9355 (WELL)
🌐 Visit us at www.WellnessLn.com to book an appointment

Let’s get your hands feeling like yours again.