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Pregnancy-Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Most of the physical challenges that come with pregnancy are well-known, but one of the more surprising conditions that can arise is pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This is an often-overlooked—yet relatively common—occurrence. It's a condition that can affect expectant mothers, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and wrists throughout the pregnancy and beyond.

In this article, we will delve into what causes this discomfort and numbness of hands in pregnancy, the risk factors, and effective management strategies to help alleviate symptoms and ensure a smoother journey for mums-to-be.

The natural movements of taking care of a baby can trigger pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve of the arm gets compressed or squeezed as it travels through the narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. When the nerve is aggravated, it creates the acute symptoms that are the hallmarks of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

While activities involving repetitive movements are often associated with CTS, various other factors can contribute to its development. Then, once your baby is born, bending the wrist at an acute angle—like while you're breastfeeding or holding your little one—can compress the nerves further. 

1. Repetitive hand and wrist movements. Engaging in repetitive hand and wrist movements can increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome over time. Activities such as typing on a keyboard, using vibrating tools, assembly line work, playing musical instruments for long periods, or even excessive gaming can have a significant impact on the hands and wrists. 

2. Incorrect posture. Maintaining improper posture during daily activities like typing or writing for extended periods can also lead to CTS. Constantly bending or flexing your wrists downwards while performing tasks puts additional pressure on the median nerve and surrounding tissues within the carpal tunnel. 

3. Anatomical predisposition. Some individuals have a naturally smaller carpal tunnel size compared to others due to their anatomy. This predisposition means that even slight inflammation or swelling in the area can cause compression on the median nerve more easily than in those with larger spaces in their wrists. 

4. Hormonal changes. Certain hormonal changes may play a role in increasing susceptibility to CTS among certain individuals. This is partly why pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome is so prevalent.  

Pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness, tingling and weakness.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

How do you know if what you have is pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome or something else? These common syptoms should help you determine whether the pain and numbness in your hand is being caused by this condition.

  • Hand and wrist pain. People with CTS frequently experience pain in their hands and wrists. The pain may be dull or sharp and can radiate up the arm. 
  • Numbness and tingling. A characteristic symptom of CTS is numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. As with the pain, this sensation can sometimes travel up into the arm. 
  • Weakness. Individuals with CTS may notice weakness in their hand or a tendency to drop objects more frequently due to muscle weakness caused by nerve compression. 
  • Burning sensation. Some people may feel a burning sensation in their hand or fingers as a result of irritation to the nerve. 
  • Nighttime symptoms. Many individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome report increased symptoms at night. They may wake up feeling an urge to shake out their hands for relief from discomfort. 
  • Difficulty with fine motor skills. As CTS progresses, it can become challenging to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, like buttoning clothes or gripping small objects tightly. 
  • Swelling and stiffness. In some cases, swelling around the wrist area can occur along with stiffness that restricts movement. 

Treatment for Pregnancy-Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS commonly affects pregnant women, particularly during the second and third trimesters. Hormonal changes, fluid retention and weight gain can increase the pressure on the median nerve leading to carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to alleviate symptoms and provide relief.

Rest and Modification of Activities

One of the initial steps in managing pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome is to rest the affected hand or hands as much as possible. Avoiding repetitive motions or activities that exacerbate symptoms can help reduce the inflammation and relieve the pressure on the median nerve. 

Wrist Splints

Wearing wrist splints can be effective in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. These splints immobilize the wrist joint while keeping it in a neutral position, controlling strain on the median nerve. 

Women's Physio Exercises

Certain exercises that focus on stretching and strengthening muscles around the wrist area can alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. A women's health physiotherapist can guide you through specific exercises tailored to your individual needs.

 

Book A Women's Physio Consultation Now

 

Cold Therapy

Applying cold packs or ice wrapped in a cloth to your wrists for short periods can help reduce swelling and numb pain temporarily.

Kinesiotaping

Kinesiotaping for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can offer valuable support to the wrist joints and potentially alleviate pain, enhance circulation, and promote nerve flow. This method is safe during pregnancy. 

Medication

In some cases, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen might be recommended to manage pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. However, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication while you're pregnant.  

Steroid Injections

If conservative treatments don't provide adequate relief from persistent symptoms, corticosteroid injections into the affected area may be considered under medical supervision. These injections can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Alternative Therapies

Some pregnant women find relief through alternative therapies, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy. However, it's important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before pursuing any alternative treatments during pregnancy. 

Therapeutic Ultrasound

In addition to helpful exercises, a women's physio might recommend therapeutic ultrasound to combat carpal tunnel pain and discomfort. Using a special machine, the ultrasound is directed to the inflamed areas. The converted sound waves create heat in the deep tissue of the hand, opening up the blood vessels and delivering oxygen to the injured tissue to stimulate cell repair. Not indicated during pregnancy.

Therapeutic ultrasound is a safe and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy.

INDIBA Activ

A specially trained women's health physiotherapist can also offer INDIBA Activ treatments  for carpal tunnel syndrome. INDIBA devices work by generating safe, painless electromagnetic waves at a fixed radio frequency of 448 kHz. This frequency has been proven to provide significant bio-stimulation properties and thermal effects and result in very effective therapeutic outcomes. Not indicated during pregnancy.

 

Pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome is a common and often overlooked condition that affects many expectant mothers. The hormonal changes, weight gain and fluid retention during pregnancy can lead to compression of the median nerve, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and wrists.  

Pregnant women can try preventive measures such as splinting, physiotherapy exercises, and lifestyle modifications. If that doesn't work, an appointment with a women's health physiotherapist can give you a safe and effective treatment plan for relief from carpal tunnel syndrome without compromising your overall health or the health of your baby. With proper management and support, you can navigate through your pregnancy journey with minimal discomfort from carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

Book A Women's Physio Consultation Now

 

For advice on carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy or postpartum or any other pregnancy-releated problems, call Magdalena on 07877 017 936 or drop PelviCare an email for a no-obligation chat. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online for treatment.

PelviCare Women's Health Physiotherapy is located in Greenwich, London, serving women across South London, East London, Essex, Kent and beyond. 

 

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