What is Mummy’s thumb?
De Quervain’s is thickening and swelling of the first extensor retinaculum (over the wrist and near the base of the thumb) causing thumb tendon friction and pain.
It is common condition especially after having a baby and can occur in golf other racquet sports. It affects two thumb tendons (if you do a thumb up sign 👍 you can see the tendons). You may find pain and swelling in the two tendons or the thumb or forearm. Bending the thumb towards the little finger (like playing on your phone with your thumb!) can be difficult and painful. Gripping and lifting objects and a clicking or locking wrist are also symptoms.
Physiotherapy (conservative management) is considered first line treatment:
- Activity modification (avoiding things that stir it up and modify wrist positions)
- Tailored exercises for the thumb tendons and upper limb
- Massage and other techniques to offload the thumb tendon
- Splinting can help
Most people recover in a few weeks, our Physiotherapists are well trained to treat De Quervain’s at all of our clinics
May Wan
Physiotherapist