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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy
Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy: Tips and Advice
During pregnancy, some women may experience carpal tunnel syndrome. Often, the condition is transient and eases after childbirth but it can be important to know how to manage the symptoms.
Understanding carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure increases in the wrist. This leads to inflammation and swelling. This in turn can put pressure on the median nerve, which extends from the forearm to the palm. During pregnancy, the body’s extra fluid and swelling can lead to this increased inflammation, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Why do some pregnant women experience carpal tunnel syndrome?
There are several reasons why pregnant women may experience carpal tunnel syndrome. One of the biggest factors is that the body tends to retain more fluid during pregnancy. This extra fluid can cause swelling in many parts of the body, including the wrists, which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Characteristics and symptoms
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can vary, but usually include pain, tingling, numbness or a burning sensation in the fingers, hand or wrist. In some cases, symptoms can spread up the arm and are usually worse at night.
How common is carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is actually quite common during pregnancy. Up to 60% of all pregnant women experience some form of hand and wrist symptoms.
Statistics and prevalence
According to some studies, about 35% of pregnant women experience symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during their last trimester. These symptoms usually disappear within three months of giving birth, but can sometimes persist longer.
Risk factors during pregnancy
There are several risk factors for developing carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy, including obesity and high blood pressure. Also, those women who have a history of carpal tunnel syndrome before pregnancy are more likely to be affected.
Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy
There are several treatment options available for women suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.
Conservative methods
Conservative methods include rest, cooling and specific hand and wrist exercises to relieve symptoms. In addition, a wrist brace or carpal tunnel massage can help relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Medical procedures
For more severe cases, a cortisone injection or surgery may be necessary. These methods should only be used when conservative methods have failed.
Prevention and tips
There are several things pregnant women can do to prevent and relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Lifestyle changes to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome
Lifestyle changes can include avoiding activities that increase strain on the wrists, and keeping the wrists in a neutral position as much as possible. It may also be useful to avoid foods that can increase fluid retention and to raise the hand above heart level to reduce swelling.
Exercises to relieve symptoms
There are several exercises that can help relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. These include wrist rotations, finger stretches and grip strengthening exercises.
You can also find more self-care tips for carpal tunnel syndrome here.
Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy – frequently asked questions
What are the best ways to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy?
The best ways to relieve symptoms include resting, using cold, performing wrist and hand exercises, and wearing wrist supports or splints.
How long do the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome last after childbirth?
For most women, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome disappear within three months of giving birth. However, for some women it can take up to a year to fully recover.
