thread: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome??

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Mar 2009
    112

    Carpal Tunnel Syndrome??

    Ladies - over the past week, I have been waking up in the middle of the night with my middle finger (on one hand only) being either bent and unable to straighten it, or the other way around. It's quite sore during the day, but not to the extent of not being able to straighten/bend it.

    Does this sounds like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Here and There
    136

    It does sound like it. I too am experiencing it but I only have the pins and needles sensation (no pain). Mine is now pretty consistent in the right hand. I have it on all my finger tips. It happens due to swelling and compression on the nerve in the wrist. Mr dr said that you can go to a physio and have splints made for during the night or in my case as I am so far along i could make some myself with newspaper. I haven't done it, as sleep is hard enough at the moment without the constraint of my hands.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    1,794

    I had a similar thing in my arm through 1st pg.

    And it went away about a week after baby was born.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jan 2009
    43

    I had Carpal Tunnel syndrome before I was pregnant, but it was manageable. After I got pregnant it became really bad (my fingers are going numb just from typing this) but I bought a pair of support splints online (Oppo brand) and they have really helped. They're not too intrusive or uncomfortable at night and I rarely wake up with pain, numbness etc. anymore.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Aug 2007
    3,526

    I got it too in my right hand during my pregnancy - however it still hasnt gone!

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Mar 2009
    112

    Thanks for your responses. Is the splint meant to be worn around the wrist area?

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jan 2009
    43

    The ones I've got support your wrists and thumbs. An internal metal plate supports the outer thumb and helps to keep it straight (to stop nerve compression which causes the numbness etc). They are fastened by velcro at the wrist and thumb. They sound like a torture device but they're actually fine!!

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Perth,WA
    2,942

    I had this reallly really bad when I was preg. Even to the point where I couldn't straighten my fingers and you could feel the bones clunk around in there (coz my skin was so numb)...It DID go away a few months after DS was born. I didn't use any splints I just put my hands in an elevated spot while I slept. It's not nice at all!

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Mar 2009
    112

    MiniMax - that's exactly how I feel at night!

    How do you keep your hands elevated while you sleep though?

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Perth,WA
    2,942

    I slept on my favourite side and put them up on my pillow next to my head....I would obviously move in the night, but getting to sleep was easier. It was very awful though.

  11. #11
    Registered User
    Add Stevie on Facebook

    Apr 2009
    Sunshine Coast
    1,280

    ive got carpel tunnel (once you have it youve got it forever or so i was told) it hasnt flared up while im pg thank god, coz i know how bad it can be my suggestion, get a splint, even go to your local chemist and tell them you have CT and they'll know what you need to use. its basically just to keep you wrist straight so you dont bend it and squish the nerves. it can be very painful, but i found if i didnt get it while i slept then that next day wouldnt be so bad.
    Good luck.