Wrist Pain on Pinky Side of Hand

I had the same thing a few times in the exact same place with the same symptoms, it usually comes from some kind of injury - mine happened when I tripped and landed on my wrists/hands to break my fall. It sounds like nerve damage (that's what mine was as diagnosed by a doc). That sounds worse than it is, the nerves in that part of your hand have probably been irritated or damaged by something because they are very close to the outside of the skin in that area. The only thing that works is tylenol and time. It could take up to 2-4 months for it to completely go away. I found that wearing a wrist wrap/brace was helpful esp with a baby at home, felt like you had a tiny bit of control and helped protect it/keep it a little bit rested/immobile. You can get those kinds of things at CVS. If it gets worse I'd definitely see a dr. good luck!

Hi K.,

It does sound like tendonitis, but this really is something a doctor should diagnose, not people on an internet site. I also have tendonitis in my wrist and after having 2 cortisone shots, now am scheduled for surgery. It is a very simple procedure and will completely correct this condition.

At the very least, visiting the doctor and having a splint made for your hand will help immensely. Immobilizing that wrist and resting it from twisting and turning will give you some relief at least.

But do see a hand surgeon, I see Dr Mark Belsky at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and he is the most caring and kind doctor I have ever had. And he comes with great references, he takes care of the Boston Red Sox. You will not be sorry if you gave them a call. Good luck.

see a chiropractor. neurological pain like you are having is their specialty. www.icpa4kids.com has a great list of baby and mommy friendly/specially trained chiropractors.

Yes! I had something very similar with my first kid - and it was definitely related to picking him up out of high chairs, car seats, etc.. I know how frustrating it is b/c you can't just stop taking care of your kid! What helped: (1) wearing a wrist guard (check with Dr. or pharmacist about what type is best for your particular injury); (2) trying to find ways to minimize the stress/pain/use of that area of your wrist (e.g., have husband do as much as possible around the house like washing the particularly heavy skillet, carrying laundry basket - whatever bothers your wrist the most); (3) meds - I took Advil for awhile, but considering you are breastfeeding, you might ask Dr. about getting a local steroid injection instead - that helped me too, (4) you can try ice, but once it becomes a chronic thing, ice doesn't help as much; (5) finding creative, different ways of carrying my kid/other stuff so as not to strain that wrist.
Also - once my wrist finally healed, I started doing regular push-ups and weight lifting to keep my wrist and forearms stronger. This has helped tremendously - I was able to avoid the same problems when my second one came along!

It's tendonitis - I had it too with both of my boys - it's from carrying them. With my first son it got so bad that I actually got a cortisone shot in my wrist - it helped tremendously! With my second son, I tried to make sure I carried him more on the left side or put him down (not so easy to do though!).

It will go away, but a wrist guard is not a bad idea - even if you wear it only at night, to stablize your wrist while you sleep will help it heal.

Good luck!

Yes, it does sound like what I used to call "Car Seat Hand." You should check with your doctor, but I used to wear a brace from CVS to help (they even make some that you can chill, so they ice the injury at the same time). The only trouble is that it was a bit awkward holding the baby with it one.

B.

Hi K.. I had similar pain a few months after my son was born and actually went to see my doctor for a diagnosis. I learned I had Tensoynovitis, or what the doctor called "New Mom Syndrome." It's caused when the sheath--or casing--around the tendon becomes inflamed because of overuse. In my case, overuse was from the infant car seat. The constant taking it in and out of our sedan at the strangest angle made my wrist ache for months. My doctor gave me a lovely brace to wear, but after a week of wearing it, I stopped. The pain eventually went away when my son started using a convertible car seat.

Hope this helps and I hope you feel better soon!

I know wrist issues are common are common with new moms. Especially with your daughter being 8 months (mine is 9 mos) you are putting a lot of strain on your wrists. I'd go to your Dr. and see if there is a wrist support that would help. Or you can try a chiropractor. I had a pain in my toe for months and it ended up being an issue with my ankle. My chiro did some adjustments and it is finally getting better. Hope this helps.

K.,

From someone who put off having my wrist checked I would suggest going to your doctor and asking to have it x-rayed. I have a hair line fracture that I didn't have looked at right away and had intermitten pain so I didn't think much about it but I'm glad I did finally tell my doctor and had it casted. It won't take long to have it x-rayed and then you will know for sure if there is an issue.

L. M

Go to your doctor ASAP. Make sure that you don't have cubital tunnel syndrome. I had it after my daughter's birth. Signs are numbness in the pinky and ring finger up the forearm with progression which then causes muscle wasting and pain. I had my ulnar nerve damaged badly at the elbow and signal to my right hand was getting cut off. (I'm a righty too) Swelling from pregnancy can make it worse. So I needed major surgery. the sooner you act the better the result if you do have nerve damage. But it could also be over-use which is common with new moms.
You can easily test the strength of your hand before your dr appt. ask even your husband to help you with these tests. Spread your fingers out and resist someone trying to squeeze your fingers together. and then the opposite of that. If you have no power in your hand it will be obvious you have a bad problem. Seeks help from a medical dr.
I hope it turns out okay. Good luck!

It could be repetitive stress injury, where you continually do something (pick up your child) the same way. I had baby elbow when my duaghter was first born. You should be aware of how you're holding and picking up your daughter and somehow train yourself to do it differently.

Years ago, I had carpal tunnel-like symptoms (not medically diagnosed) and read that taking B-6 vitamins would help. It did. I always take B-50 vitamins (more if needed) daily and haven't had a problem since. That said, my friend is going in for carpal tunnel surgery next week.

You may need to see a doctor.

Hi,
I have had various issues like that actually-one being a ganglion cyst. Your best option is to see a doctor. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Belsky at Newton Wellesley Hosp. He is a hand/wrist specialist and is the doctor for the Celtics' players!! You may have to wait awhile for an appointment, but it is worth the wait. Good luck.