#1 “Mothers Wrist” (Dequervains Tenosynovitis)
Dequervains tenosynovitis results from swelling and friction of the tendons and the sheaths they glide through that run between the wrist and the thumb. It usually presents as pain and occasionally swelling over the base of the thumb or the thumb side of the wrist that is worse with forceful gripping, grabbing or lifting. If you’re like most moms, you spend a lot of time picking up and holding your kids and all their gear. Try to keep your forearm, hand, and wrist in a straight line or neutral position and avoid repetitive wrist bending activities. A brace that holds your wrist and thumb steady can help keep your hand in a neutral position. Anti-inflammatories such as Advil or Aleve can reduce swelling and therefore pain. Local steroid injections into the sheath can also reduce swelling more acutely. In rare cases, surgical intervention is required to open up and release the sheath.
#2 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed within the rigid passageway at the base of the hand. Inflammation of tendons within in tunnel, swelling from injury/trauma to the wrist, and fluid retention from pregnancy are all things that decrease space in the carpal tunnel causing the median nerve to be compressed. This results in numbness, burning, and often shock-like pain primarily into thumb, index, and middle fingers. Some people develop weakness or clumsiness in their hands (such as trouble buttoning clothes). For most people, symptoms are worse during the night and with prolonged wrist flexion. A wrist brace will help keep the wrist in a neutral position and limit repetitive motion or excessive wrist flexion and extension. Anti-inflammatories such as Advil or Aleve can reduce swelling that contributes to compression of the nerve. Local steroid injections can also help reduce swelling in the tunnel. If symptoms are persistent, a small surgical procedure can be performed to unroof the tunnel and create more space. If this is not addressed in a timely manner, you can develop permanent numbness or weakness.
#3 “Tennis Elbow” (Lateral epicondylitis)
Lateral epicondylitis is an overuse injury resulting in degeneration and micro-tearing of the tendons that attach at the outside aspect of the elbow. These tendons, known as extensor carpi radialis brevis, help straighten and stabilize the wrist. When the tendons anchor site at the elbow is damaged, any activity that requires that tendon to be active such as lifting, gripping, grasping results in pain at the outer part of the elbow. Even something as simple as picking up a coffee cup can be excruciating (and we can’t forgo our coffee)! Unfortunately, there are no easy fixes for this one. This tendon has a notoriously bad blood supply which means it’s not great at healing. Massaging the “hot spot” can help stimulate blood flow and therefore boost healing of the connective tissue. Physical therapy and stretching can help reduce pain. Anti-inflammatories and cortisone injection used to be prescribed frequently, but the most recent research shows no benefit with these treatments. A tennis elbow (strap type) brace can be helpful in offloading the tendon. Cases of tennis elbow often last months to even a year. There are some more aggressive options including platelet rich plasma injections and surgery for persistent cases.
#4 Low Back Sprain
It’s no surprise that many moms experience low back pain. Bending forward to gently set your baby in the crib without startling them awake, crouching down on the floor to crawl into your toddler’s fort, hoisting kids into and out of highchairs, sitting in awkward position for breastfeeding all come to mind. Heavy lifting (especially with a bent back), prolonged sitting, driving, or standing are the most common offenders. To avoid back pain, bend at your knees, not at your waist when picking up your child. Try not to pick up your baby with outstretched arms, instead bring them in close to your chest before lifting. When breastfeeding, keep your back straight and bring your baby to you rather than hunching forward. A pillow or bolster under your baby may help. Try not to carry your child on your hip for long periods of time. Consider carrying on your front or back for long walks. Oral anti-inflammatories such as Advil or Aleve can alleviate pain. Physical therapy focusing on core strengthening is usually successful. If symptoms persist or if you develop numbness, tingling, or weakness, you should see a healthcare provider immediately. Occasionally, more aggressive medication such as muscle relaxers or steroids are needed. Further imaging such as MRI may also be warranted depending on your symptoms.
#5 Patellofemoral Syndrome
Although certainly not specific to mothers, this pesky knee problem plagues many women at all ages. Patellofemoral syndrome results from the kneecap not tracking well in it’s groove on the femur. Muscle imbalance or weakness in the quadricep and hamstring muscles can contribute as well. It tends to present as anterior knee pain that is worse with stairs, squats, lunges. You may feel or hear a crunching or rice-crispy type sensation under your knees with stairs and squats. It is tough to squeeze in those workouts in the post-partum phase (or let’s be honest, in any phase of motherhood). You may rely on quick, high intensity workouts when you can fit them in or fall into a very intermittent workout routine. These can set you up for injury. The best treatment is to limit activities that involve deep knee bending or loading the knee when it is in a bent position (squats, lunges, weighted knee extension, stairs/stairmaster). A course of anti-inflammatories such as Advil or Aleve can be helpful. Therapy is often the most useful tool to help strengthen the muscles around your knee which allow your kneecap to track better. Injections into the knee joint including cortisone injections and lubricating gel injections are other alternatives if more conservative measures don’t work.
We know all you moms make the world go round. And often it’s hard (if not impossible) to rest and take care of yourself. We hope these hints help. But if you’re still struggling, make an appointment with one of our providers!
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Top 5 Mom Injuries For Mothers & What To Do About Them
In honor of Mother’s Day, we thought we’d give some helpful hints to all those hardworking mammas out there. Whether you stay at home or work full time, motherhood can take a toll on your body. Here are some of the most common orthopedic injuries we see in moms and how to address them.