Most frequently associated with repetitive motion tasks and work place ergonomics, carpal tunnel syndrome can become a serious problem during pregnancy and has little to do with repetitive movements.
What Is The Carpal Tunnel
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of bone and ligament in the wrist that protects the nerves and tendons that extend into the hand, according to WebMD.com. When the tissues in the carpal tunnel become swollen or inflamed, they put pressure on the median nerve, located deep in the middle of the wrist. Because this nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers, pressure on it produces the numbness, pain and hand weakness.
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually starts gradually with a vague aching in the wrist that can extend to the hand or forearm. Other common signs include tingling or numbness in fingers or hand (especially the thumb, index, middle or ring fingers, but not the little finger). This sensation often occurs while sleeping, driving or holding the phone or newspaper.
The increase of fluid in a woman’s body due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy account for the swelling of the soft tissue around the carpal tunnel, according to Julie Hartung, MD of Northland Women's Healthcare in Kansas City.
Some of these symptoms are also indicators of pre-eclampsia, so all hand pain should be reported to the obstetrician, says Hartung.
She says that for most women, the on-set of carpal tunnel symptoms begins in the third trimester and are greater for women who gain a great deal of weight during pregnancy. First-time moms and women over 30, who tend to have greater fluid retention, are more likely to experience these symptoms.
Most symptoms and discomforts will disappear within two to three weeks of delivery.
Breast Feeding And Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Some women do not develop symptoms until after delivery and the beginning of breast-feeding. Breast feeding temporarily lowers natural steroid hormone levels, which heightens the potential for inflammation. When the on-set is after delivery, symptoms are frequently more severe and take longer to clear-up. But most symptoms disappear after breast feeding is discontinued.
Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy
The most common treatment for carpal tunnel during pregnancy is wrist splints, which can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies. The splint immobilizes the wrist at an angle that opens the carpal tunnel. Most patients wear the splint only at night. This prevents sleeping with the wrist bent.
Ice applied to the wrist may help relieve the swelling and pain.
Yoga and other relaxation techniques may be helpful with carpal tunnel pain. However, the yoga techniques should be specific to pregnancy.
Another option for pain relief is acupuncture, found to be effective in a National Institutes of Health study.
Cortisone injections into the wrist or non-invasive surgery are possible during pregnancy, if recommended by a specialist. If the condition is left untreated, nerve and muscle damage can occur and may be permanent.
Otherwise, women suffering wrist joint pain during pregnancy should consider purchasing an over-sized pen or pencil with a soft grip for writing. Any other work tools should also be padded with soft grip, if possible. Computer keyboard should be adjusted to the most comfortable position when the wrist is straight. Take plenty of breaks from work.
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