Mother’s wrist (Tenosynovitis)
Mother’s wrist. I knew what Tenosynovitis is however I didn’t know it was called ‘Mother’s wrist’ until I had my twin babies… 3 Months Postpartum, I noticed something was off in my left wrist. It was uncomfortable for a few days then it got really bad that I couldn’t even lift my babies (I was very sad that I couldn’t hold, nurse and carry my babies). It felt like someone was stabbing a knife on my wrist. I instantly suspected that it was Tenosynovitis. You may be wondering, what is Tenosynovitis?!
Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the tendon, the cords of tissue that hold muscle to bone. It is often caused by injury, strain, or overuse. The symptoms include pain and swelling. When the tendon sheath gets swollen, fluid may build up and can increase the pain scale.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist.
It can also happen in shoulder, upper arm, forearm, fingers, knees and ankles.
It is diagnosed with a physical exam. The practitioner will push on affected areas or ask you to make specific motions and see if it hurts (SORRY!). If it’s DQ tenosynovitis, performing the Finkelstein Test can be used as a diagnostic method.
It’s treated with
Rest
Acupuncture
Ice/ Heat therapy
Anti-inflammatory medication
Steroid injection
Surgery
It can be prevented by resting your body (especially wrist for first time mamas), using a wrist brace, avoiding repetitive motions and learning how to properly use your muscle.
In my practice, I offer acupuncture for Tenosynovitis as well as heat therapy. A lot of researches show that acupuncture and moxibustion could remarkably relieve Tenosynovitis. I use local and distal acupuncture points to treat the affected muscles, nerves and tendon pathways. I also connect electrical stimulation to relieve the pain, reduce the inflammation, increase blood flow and calm the affected muscles, nerves and tendons.
With treatments, most patients fully recover from tenosynovitis within 4 to 6 weeks. If it gets untreated, patients risk having the affected joints becoming stiff and having the tendons become permanently restricted.
Do you have more questions about Tenosynovitis? Are you having symptoms of Tenosynovitis?
We can work on it together. Call at (425) 202-5060 to book an appointment with Bella.
