"Mommy Thumb" Afflicting Many Parents with Young Children

HOUSTON, TX, February 28, 2011 (Press-News.org) A condition popularly dubbed "mommy thumb" has been affecting a growing number of individuals who regularly care for young children. It results in pain and "popping" in the thumb, and is generally caused by repeatedly picking up young children underneath their armpits. Board certified Houston plastic surgeon and hand surgery specialist Dr. Leo Lapuerta says that this is a very common condition.

"The technical name for this condition is DeQuervain's tendonitis," says Dr. Lapuerta. "People who use their thumbs a lot or pick up new babies are our most common patients with this condition."

When parents regularly use their hands like hooks under a baby's armpit, the thumb moves back toward the wrist, causing an inflammation at the base of the thumb. Over time, this will result in the tendonitis experienced as "mommy's thumb." It is quite common for parents to perform this action 30 to 40 times a day, creating considerable stress on the thumb.

According to Dr. Lapuerta, there are several ways to correct the condition: "Sometimes it can be corrected with a steroid injection. Usually we will try this first along with casting for two weeks. If there isn't improvement, then we will consider surgery."

Surgery for DeQuervain's tendonitis is performed on an outpatient basis under sedation. The incision, approximately 2-3 cm long, is made on the inner part of the wrist just below the thumb. The procedure to alleviate the tendonitis is relatively minor. Patients must wear a brace for a couple of weeks to prevent the incision from opening. After surgery, parents should be careful to pick up their children using a different technique in order to avoid a recurrence of the condition.

If you are experiencing pain in your thumb and believe it may be caused by "mommy's thumb," you can contact Dr. Lapuerta's office to schedule an initial evaluation of your condition.

About Dr. Leo Lapuerta

Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a triple board certified plastic, reconstructive, and hand surgeon. He performs cosmetic procedures at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas, and he is also affiliated with St. Joseph Hospital, Southeast Memorial Hospital, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, and Memorial City Hospital. He has received board certification in hand surgery and has extensive experience correcting a variety of hand conditions. For additional information, please visit www.lookyounger.net.