Being a new mom is a tough job—you’re juggling new sleep schedules, constant diaper changes, and non-stop feedings, all on top of being suddenly responsible for a whole new, precious little life. One thing you have probably never stopped to consider while you’re performing your one-woman circus act is your own physical health. It is easy to forget that lugging that diaper bag everywhere or consistently picking up your new bundle of joy takes a major toll on your body. Here are the top 3 new mom aches, pains, and injuries Beau Grantier, M.D., Non-surgical Sports Medicine Specialist sees most often in his patients at Southlake Orthopaedics and the treatments you can receive for them.
- Low Back Pain
The constant picking up and putting down of your newborn can be an increased physical strain on your lower back, especially if you are not consciously thinking about proper lifting techniques while you do it. Your baby is completely dependent on you to take them everywhere—to their crib to sleep, placed onto the floor for tummy time, carried to the car for doctor’s checkups—and all these portable moments add up to a big pain in the back. You can stave off some of the negative effects of constant carrying by exercising and building strength in your muscles to support your overall body, learning, and practicing proper lifting techniques. If you are having continued back pain and are unsure of what to do, then an orthopaedic specialist can help address these issues.
- Lateral Epicondylitis or “Tennis Elbow”
In a newborn’s first month, they can use up to 8-10 diapers per day. During the first three months, a baby may go through around 700 diapers. That is a lot of diaper changes, and all that repetitive movement can cause an unexpected issue in new moms—tennis elbow. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by overuse and resulting in degeneration and micro-tearing of the tendons that attach at the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow. Visiting an orthopaedic specialist is a great option if you are experiencing this issue, as they can provide treatments such as Cortisone injections, physical therapy, or bracing to remedy the problem.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis or “Mother’s Wrist”
Mother’s Wrist or Mommy’s Wrist is a type of tendonitis that causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist. It is commonly seen in caregivers of young children due to the repetitive use of the wrist in daily activities such as lifting and holding children, as well as performing household chores that come with caring for that new little life. The pain is worsened during thumb movements, so treatment generally involves stabilizing the injured area with a splint, rest, anti-inflammatory medicine, and possible injections. However, if the issue doesn’t improve or is severe enough, visiting an orthopaedic specialist may be your best option for additional treatment options.
Being a New Mom is Tough Enough …
If you are struggling with any of the above issues as a new mom, it is time to get back caring for your little one with decreased pain by making an appointment with Dr. Beau Grantier at Southlake Orthopaedics. Dr. Grantier, with his plethora of experience treating orthopedic issues in people of all ages, can help you get back to enjoying every moment of being a new mom pain-free.
Click here to request an appointment at Southlake Orthopaedics today.
