Pregnancy and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pregnancy can cause a variety of aches and pains, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is a common discomfort during pregnancy that is caused by swelling in the wrist. This swelling puts pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms of CTS include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and wrists. Treatment for CTS includes rest, wearing a splint at night, and avoiding activities that put strain on the wrist.
Summit Orthopedics hand and upper extremity surgeon J.P. Delaney, M.D., explains that pregnant women are more likely to experience CTS due to increased fluid retention during pregnancy. This fluid retention causes swelling in the wrist which can lead to compression of the median nerve. To prevent or reduce symptoms of CTS during pregnancy, Dr. Delaney recommends taking frequent breaks from activities that require repetitive motions with your hands or wrists such as typing or knitting.
If you’re pregnant and suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, there are steps you can take to ease the discomfort. Learn more about treatment options here!
What is the carpal tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow canal in the wrist that allows the median nerve and tendons to connect the hand and forearm. It is composed of carpal bones, a ligament, and contains the median nerve and tendons. The median nerve provides feeling to most of the fingers in the hand (except for the little finger) and adds strength to the base of the thumb and index finger, while tendons allow for movement of the fingers and thumb.
Carpal tunnel can cause wrist pain and wake you up at night. To help relieve this pain, it is recommended to shake your hands when you wake up or wear wrist splints while sleeping. Wrist splints keep your wrists straight while sleeping which helps relieve pressure on the nerve. Additionally, stretching exercises can help reduce tension in your wrists as well as strengthening exercises that target muscles around your wrists. If these treatments do not work, then surgery may be necessary to release pressure on the median nerve in order to reduce symptoms .
Pregnancy and carpal tunnel symptoms
Pregnancy can cause a variety of symptoms, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is caused by increased fluid retention during pregnancy, which leads to swelling in the carpal tunnel. The structures within the carpal tunnel cannot expand, resulting in compression of the median nerve when the wrist bends or flexes. This compression irritates the nerve and causes CTS symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensation and pain in the wrist or hand. Severe cases of CTS may also cause weakened grip strength and decreased finger dexterity.
Other unusual pregnancy symptoms may be present alongside CTS. These include fatigue, headaches, backaches, leg cramps and difficulty sleeping due to discomfort. Women who experience any of these symptoms should consult their doctor for an evaluation and treatment plan. Treatment options may include wearing a splint at night to keep the wrist in a neutral position while sleeping, taking over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications, or undergoing physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release pressure on the median nerve.
What does carpal tunnel syndrome feel like?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hands, wrists, and fingers. It is characterized by tingling, numbness, burning, and throbbing sensations in these areas. CTS can be caused by repetitive motions such as typing or using a mouse for extended periods of time. It is also more likely to occur in pregnant women who are overweight or obese before pregnancy, carrying multiples, have gestational diabetes or hypertension, or have experienced CTS in past pregnancies due to increased pressure on the median nerve from swelling and hormonal changes.
While uncomfortable, CTS usually resolves within 3 months after birth once swelling has subsided and hormone levels have returned to normal. Treatment options include rest and avoiding activities that cause pain or discomfort. Wearing a wrist brace at night may also help reduce symptoms. If the condition persists longer than 3 months after delivery, it is important to seek medical attention as there may be other underlying causes that need to be addressed .
How to relieve carpal tunnel pain during pregnancy
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that can be exacerbated during pregnancy. It causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and wrists due to pressure on the median nerve. This can make it difficult to perform normal daily tasks and get a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, there are safe methods for relieving carpal tunnel pain during pregnancy.
Most doctors recommend treating CTS conservatively during pregnancy. Treatment options include wearing a splint, reducing activities that cause wrist bending, using cold therapy, resting, and elevating the wrists. Stretching exercises may also help reduce pain and increase grip strength in people with CTS. Additionally, yoga poses such as downward dog or cobra pose can be beneficial for relieving carpal tunnel symptoms. It is important to avoid activities that cause strain on the wrists such as typing or lifting heavy objects while pregnant. Wearing a wrist brace at night may also help reduce discomfort and provide support while sleeping .
Treatments for pregnancy carpal tunnel syndrome
Pregnancy carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and wrists. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to help manage the symptoms of CTS during pregnancy. Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for CTS during pregnancy. Myofascial release therapy can reduce pain and improve hand function. Massage and stretching can also be beneficial in relieving CTS-related pain. Additionally, warm up exercises and prayer stretches may help to reduce discomfort. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used for pain relief but should not exceed 3,000 mg daily. Ibuprofen (Advil) should be avoided during pregnancy unless specifically approved by a doctor as it has been linked to severe complications.
If conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief from CTS symptoms, more aggressive treatment options such as corticosteroid injection or surgical release may be necessary. When breastfeeding , it is important to discuss any medications with a doctor before taking them.
FAQs
Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment during pregnancy is generally only recommended for women with severe symptoms that are not improving with other treatments. If you are pregnant and have carpal tunnel syndrome, you should talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Carpal tunnel surgery during pregnancy is generally not recommended.
If you are pregnant and have carpal tunnel syndrome, you should talk to your doctor about treatment options.
