So, after dealing with pregnancy carpal tunnel, I've had wrist pain since little one entered the world. It is awfully painful and makes everyday tasks really difficult. Unfortunately, the normal route of treatment (anti-inflammatories followed by cortisone shots) is not possible due to breastfeeding. Orthopedist said, with the severity of the swelling I'm having, he would start with the shots. Sigh. He gave me thumb spicas (wrist guards with thumb stabilization) to wear as much as possible (not very possible when doing anything with the baby).
Anyone else suffering with this?
Re: De Quervain's tendonitis, anyone?
Ask for a referral to a Physical therapist or hand specialized occupational therapist. I've seen a few mommies come in with this and it takes me a few treatment sessions to get it resolved. If you lived in the Portland area, I'd gladly see you.
Look for a PT that does active release technique or dry needling!
Have you tried icing? Stretches (thumb enclosed in palm then gently move wrist up and down - look up Finkelsteins test and just use that as a stretch)?
Good luck!!!
I have the same thing. My doc said it was fine to get the cortisone shot, and I've been reading online, they said it was fine too. You just have to throw out the pumped milk within 4 hours of getting the shot. I took the shot, it helped a lot, although I am still feeling the pain during certain situations. I've changed the way I picked LO up and I've been massaging them.
I had PT when I had this w/ my first. The needling was surprisingly helpful.
I do the stretches & exercises now in hopes that I don't get it again. I never had the shots but did take quite a bit of Advil.
It is so very painful when the tendon has that "stuck" feeling so I'm really hoping the cortisone will help alleviate the discomfort.
MMC 2.12.11 @ 8w
PVM 5.8.12
GWM 3.17.15
RPM 2.21.19
Let me know how the cortisone works. I'm going for acupuncture later this week for it. I notice you have an ILY on your ticker. Do you sign? I also lived in RI a few years ago (East Providence on Warren Avenue just off the highway).