CrossFit athlete Tia recently shared her experience battling de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a painful wrist tendon condition common among new parents and athletes. 

Her determination shines through a recent challenge during the CrossFit Open workout 24.3, where she was unable to finish due to pain and inflammation in her wrist.  

Despite the setback, Tia incredibly ranked 2610th in the worldwide competition. 

She now has her sights set on the 2024 CrossFit Games.

The Challenge of “Mother’s Wrist”

“I have this condition called de Quervain’s tenosynovitis,” Tia says in her video. “It’s called ‘mother’s wrist’ or ‘baby wrist’ because you get it from all the repetitive lifting of a baby.”

The overuse injury causes inflammation and swelling around the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Besides new moms, it can impact people of all genders:

Athletes in sports requiring repetitive hand motions

People in jobs with repetitive hand movements

Tia’s Inspiring Story: Overcoming Injury

While a source of frustration, Tia’s story showcases the remarkable resilience and determination of CrossFit athletes. Despite the wrist pain, Tia pushed through the first part of the workout in just 3 minutes, showcasing her impressive fitness level. 

However, the demanding “bar muscle-ups” proved too much for her injured wrist. 

“I made the executive decision… to only get two rounds of the bar muscle-ups… to stay safely in the top 25%” 

Tia Toomey

As she continues her competitive journey and prepares for the 2024 Games, she demonstrates that with the right care and support, injuries don’t have to mean the end of your goals.  This sentiment is echoed in her closing statement: “We all gave it our best… I hope you guys did too.”

Understanding the Symptoms

Here’s what to watch out for if you suspect de Quervain’s tenosynovitis:

Pain at the base of the thumb

Swelling near the base of the thumb

Difficulty gripping and grasping

A ‘catching’ feeling when moving the thumb

Tia’s Inspiring Story: Overcoming Injury

While a source of frustration, Tia’s story showcases the remarkable resilience and determination of CrossFit athletes. As she continues her competitive journey and prepares for the 2024 Games, she demonstrates that with the right care and support, injuries don’t have to mean the end of your goals.

Important Note  It’s crucial to seek medical advice if you experience any of the symptoms of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Early treatment and diagnosis can help manage the condition and prevent future complications.