Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | 5 Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligaments and bones at the base of the hand. When the tendons within the carpal tunnel become swollen, inflamed or misaligned, they can squeeze and irritate the median nerve.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers. The symptoms may start gradually and tend to be worse at night. Symptoms usually affect the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. Although some sufferers find the condition affects their whole hand.

Studies show around half of all pregnant women will experience some form of carpal tunnel syndrome. It can develop at any point during the pregnancy, but will most commonly appear during the second and third trimesters.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common during pregnancy and usually goes away after giving birth. As the body changes, fluid builds up and wrists swell, putting pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. This often leads to tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers.

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

1. Pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers
2. Pins and needles
3. Thumb weakness
4. Dull ache in the arm or wrist
5. Dry skin or swelling in the affected fingers

If symptoms are severe or don’t improve after birth, surgery or wrist braces may provide relief. Gentle hand exercises and icing the wrist can also help reduce discomfort during pregnancy. While carpal tunnel syndrome is usually not dangerous, talk to your doctor right away if symptoms are accompanied by muscle atrophy or weakness.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

Treatment options for pregnant women with carpal tunnel syndrome are available to relieve symptoms and improve comfort during pregnancy. For most pregnant women, this condition can be managed successfully at home.

Pregnant women may find the pain worsens at night. Try the following to ease any discomfort:

• Avoid sleeping on your hands.
• When tingling occurs, try shaking your hands.
• Do not leave your arm or wrist in the same position for long periods.
• Avoid tasks that require repetitive hand or wrist movements.
• Wearing a wrist splint can help keep the wrist in a neutral position and alleviate the pain.
• Acupuncture
•  Seeing a physical therapist for specific exercises can stretch and strengthen the muscles in the hand and arm, providing relief.
• Gentle massage techniques may also help reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the median nerve.
• Taking a B6 vitamin supplement may help, but you should check with your healthcare provider before taking them.
• Your healthcare provider may also recommend ultrasound therapy (Bioptron light therapy) if your condition is severe.

What are the prenatal effects of carpal tunnel on pregnant women?

During pregnancy, the wrists and hands are also affected by fluctuations in hormone levels and fluid retention. In pregnant women, the carpal tunnel may swell due to extra fluid in the body, compressing the median nerve. This can lead to the unpleasant symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome like numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands, fingers, and wrists. The good news is carpal tunnel syndrome caused by pregnancy is usually temporary and will often improve within a few months after delivery.

Most women find that their symptoms have completely disappeared within three months of the birth. If you are still experiencing symptoms by your child’s first birthday, you may need treatment. In this instance, you may be offered a steroid injection to reduce inflammation in your arm. In severe cases, a small surgical procedure may be required to ease the discomfort of carpal tunnel syndrome. This is very rare though.

What are the postnatal effects of carpal tunnel on new mothers?

New mothers often experience a continuation or worsening of carpal tunnel symptoms after giving birth. Hormone levels fluctuate as the body adjusts, and fluid retention may increase swelling in the wrists and hands. The repetitive movements involved in caring for an infant can also aggravate symptoms.

Fortunately, most postnatal carpal tunnel issues will resolve themselves within 3 to 6 months as hormone levels stabilize and swelling reduces. While new mothers can get relief from pain and numbness using wrist braces or splints, applying ice packs, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.

Gentle stretching and massage may also provide some relief. If symptoms do not improve with self-care or become severe, a doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or, in rare cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

No one wants to deal with painful medical issues during pregnancy, but unfortunately carpal tunnel syndrome affects many expectant mothers. The good news is that with proper rest, bracing, and physical therapy most cases will resolve once the pregnancy is over and hormone levels return to normal.

For now, new moms should take care of themselves by staying active but also getting extra rest when needed, eating a healthy diet, reducing stress, and wearing a wrist brace for relief from symptoms. While CTS can be frustrating, focus on the light at the end of the tunnel – that sweet new baby that will soon be in your arms!