Pregnancy Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

After giving birth to my son in 2007, both of my hands became numb. During my follow up visit with my doctor, I explained the tingling and numbness and he diagnosed me with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. He gave me wrist braces for both of my wrists and told me to wear them as much as possible. Eventually, the numbness subsided but the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has not. The pain and swelling only slightly impede my daily activities, but it worsens at night and keeps me awake. This constant issue led me to research what causes this problem in pregnant woman or women who have just given birth and what women can do to find relief.

What are the symptoms?

Pregnant women or women who have recently given birth can feel numbness and tingling in their hands and fingers. Sometimes these sensations, or lack of sensation, can be accompanied by burning and intense pain. This pain can radiate up their arm and can cause women to become weak in their arms and hands. Like in my case, the pain and other symptoms usually worsen at night.

What are the causes?

During pregnancy, women retain water and swell. This swelling puts pressure on the carpal tunnel, which is a space in your wrist formed by bones and ligaments. Since there is a nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel, the pressure from the swelling causes pain, tenderness and tingling associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The symptoms come from a tendon in the 'tunnel' that presses against the nerve when women swell from pregnancy. Additionally, the symptoms may persist or worsen after giving birth because women will cradle their baby and hold their wrists in such a position that will pinch the nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel. During the night, swelling can accumulate in the arms, wrists and hands worsening the symptoms.

What can you do to find relief?

Since swelling is the main cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy, getting rid of swelling will help relieve the pressure and symptoms. Naturally after childbirth, swelling and water retention will decrease over time. Often, symptoms will go away on their own. To help reduce swelling, women should watch their salt intake to reduce fluid retention. Caffeine is another dietary concern for women with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Women should reduce their caffeine consumption as it constricts the blood vessels, therefore reducing blood flow to the wrists. And, just like any other joint injury, applying ice to your wrists can help reduce swelling. If the symptoms are worse at night, women can use pillows to prop their hands into a neutral position and keep them from staying in a flexed position.

If pain persists, braces and splints are the most common treatment. These devices keep your wrists and fingers in a neutral position allowing the carpal tunnel to widen. If the tunnel is wide, the tendon in your wrist will not press as much on the nerve running through the carpal tunnel. Most women find relief from wearing the braces, especially at night. An anti-inflammatory drug may help relieve the pain because it will help reduce swelling in the wrists. An over-the-counter medication like Ibuprofen may help women get relief after they give birth. Ibuprofen is not considered safe during pregnancy.

Although repetitive movements may not have been the cause of these symptoms, they can worsen them. During and after childbirth, women should be aware of their activities and take a break from those that make their symptoms worse.

What should you do if the pain persists?

If women try various strategies for getting rid of the pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and it just does not go away, there are other alternatives. Women should discuss their options with their primary doctors. Their doctor may send them to see an orthepedic surgeon for a cortisone shot in the wrist. This will provide immediate relief of pain but is temporary. Also, physical or occupational therapists can help women learn exercises that will strengthen their wrists and keep the symptoms at bay.

Surgery is another option. The surgeon will cut the tissue that surround the wrist, taking pressure off of the nerve in the carpal tunnel. It is most common to cut the carpal ligament in order to widen the carpal tunnel and relieve pressure on the nerve. This surgery is an outpatient procedure and only requires a local anesthetic. Recovery can take months and should be accompanied by physical therapy.

During pregnancy and after childbirth, women expect sleepless nights and discomfort. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is not the first thing women think of as a complication of pregnancy but since about 25% of women suffer from it, it is important to acknowledge. Even though it does not have serious implications, it is chronic and can be quite painful. Women should recognize the symptoms and seek treatment.

http://www.pregnancytoday.com/articles/complications-in-pregnancy/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-and-pregnancy-1366/

http://www.babycenter.com/0_carpal-tunnel-syndrome-during-pregnancy_234.bc?page=1

http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/carpal

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm

http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/carpal-tunnel.aspx

http://www.medicinenet.com/carpal_tunnel_syndrome/article.htm