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Pregnancy Induced Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the result of the constriction of the median nerve in the wrist. This condition affects the hands, wrists and even the arms of individuals with a narrow or inflamed carpal tunnel. Pregnant women are susceptible to this condition due to some of the physical changes of pregnancy.

  1. Symptoms

    • The median nerve has control over the inner portion of the hand, including the palm and the inside surface of all of the fingers except the little finger. When the median nerve is compressed, symptoms are felt in all areas controlled by the median nerve. Pain, weakness and numbness are typically experienced in the hands and wrists but can even travel up the arm in severe cases.

    Causes

    • Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition known as a repetitive stress injury. These injuries are caused when an individual repeats the same motion over and over for a long period of time. Excessive typing, working on an assembly line or in a meat packing plant are common examples of jobs that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible, due to the fact that pregnancy causes water retention, and swelling. Swelling in the wrist can result in the compression of the median nerve and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

    Prevention

    • During pregnancy, it may be possible to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Avoiding activities that can cause a repetitive stress injury will help to prevent the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, individuals should work with their doctor to ensure that they are not retaining too much water. Finally, if carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms begin, wearing a wrist brace at night can help to keep the symptoms from worsening.

    Pain Relief

    • Carpal tunnel syndrome is typically treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs. During pregnancy, however, many medications are not recommended, in order to ensure the safety and health of the fetus. In order to reduce carpal tunnel pain without medication, individuals can apply chilled towels to their wrists, or soak their hands and wrists in a sink of cold water. Resting hands in a relaxed position and wearing wrist braces that have been stored in the freezer provides pain relief as well.

    Considerations

    • Pregnancy induced carpal tunnel syndrome typically goes away after pregnancy. For this reason, long-term treatment options, such as surgery, are not usually necessary for the relief of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms in pregnant individuals. If the pain is severe, pregnant women should consult with their physician to find more effective short-term treatment options.

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