painful hands

[drbeee]

Hi there,

just wondering whether anyone has developed REALLY painful finger joints during (not before) pregnancy?

Within weeks of falling pregnant a couple of joints in each hand were really sore to touch and bend. Gradually this has evolved to include most finger joints and knuckles. My OB, who I love, thinks its just from being a bit fluid-retentive BUt I really think it could be more than that.

The pain is so bad that when I roll over at night and reach for my pillow to replace under the belly, my hands just scream out in pain.

Any thoughts?

[Jesstibb]

Could it be related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I've heard that could be a problem in pregnancy. Maybe the hormones are doing something to the sinews and ligaments in the joints? Have you tried using any topical treatments like heat pads or heat rubs?

[dee73]

Mine get really stiff from fluid retention but not painful as such. I had carpel tunnel last preg - ct is more painful in the wrist leading up to the 3 middle fingers (it doesn't affect the pinky) so if your pinky is sore too you can rule that out. Might be worth going to a physio - one who specialises in pregnancy-related issues pehaps?

[drbeee]

Thanks guys,

I was wondering about carpal tunnel...as I do have some fluid retention in my paws. I thought that it only caused tingling/ pins and needles though so had discounted it as a cause of pain. I DO have pins and nedles in both hands, so if it can cause pain as well then perhaps thats what I am dealing with....

Will spoeak to OB on tuesday. Cheers!

[Junglemum]

Are any of your other joints sore? Or just your fingers? What about your toes?

If you are concerned and OB says it is fine, you could always go to GP and get their opinion too. I hope it is just fluid.

[drbeee]

Thanks Falguni,

Nope its mainly my hands. My feet and ankles are bad, but I had bad joints there from previous sporting injuries, so I think they are just complaining about carrying so much of me about!

In the end I had a different scare the night before my OB appt, so when I saw him i forgot to ask about my hands. Doh! I think checking in with my GP is a good plan, and will call to make a time.

Cheers for help!

[Katstribe]

Drbeee not sure if you have spoken toyour GP or had any more luck but i just saw this and thought i would comment.

It could be arthritis. My Doc and MW have both said that PG women can get this through PG and then it goes away after. So if not carpal tunnel then maybe arthritis.

Cheers
Kat

[mgm]

I have (intermittent) arthritis in my hands - it pre-dates my pregnancies, but sounds a lot like what you're experiencing. It doesn't cause pins and needles though - but carpal tunnel (which I also have - although i've been assured it will disappear after birth) definitely does. I find if I sleep with my carpal tunnel hand up on a pillow it helps; otherwise I wake up with a completely numb hand. Maybe what you have is a combination of things? Sounds like you've not got long to go, so you could just wait it out and see if it goes away. Good luck!!