Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers or hand. Some individuals might have pain in their arm between their hand and their elbow.
Why am I having tingling and numbness in my hands during pregnancy?
A: These sensations are most likely caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Although you probably associate this condition with individuals whose tasks need repeated hand motions (such as information processors, computer developers, and assembly-line workers), it’s likewise more common in pregnant women.
Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, pain, or a dull ache in the fingers, hand, or wrist. These symptoms have the tendency to come and go and are frequently even worse at night. Occasionally, the discomfort might even encompass the forearm and upper arm. In severe or chronic cases, your hand may feel clumsy or weak.
Symptoms generally affect both hands and can appear at any time, however they’re most likely to start or get worse in the second half of pregnancy when women have the tendency to retain more fluid. The symptoms generally disappear slowly after you give birth, as the swelling from pregnancy subsides.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy?
The carpal tunnel is a bony canal formed by the wrist bones on three sides and a ligament that encounters the wrist on the other. The fluid retention and swelling that’s so typical during pregnancy can increase the pressure in this fairly narrow and inflexible space, compressing the typical nerve that goes through it.
The average nerve offers sensation to the thumb and the index, middle, and half of the ring finger and is responsible for motion of a muscle at the base of the thumb, states iytmed.com. Pressure on this nerve causes the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
What Can I Do To Relieve The Pain During My Pregnancy?
Aim to find out what activities tend to cause or worsen the problem for you, and prevent those activities as much as you can. In some cases you can make changes to secure your hands. For example, if you’re working at a computer, change the height of your chair so your wrists aren’t bent downward as you type. See if using a wrist or hand brace or an ergonomic keyboard reduces your symptoms. And make sure to take time-outs to move your arms and extend your hands.
If your symptoms bother you at night, try supporting your wrist in a neutral position (not bent) with a splint or brace. A neutral position permits the carpal tunnel to be a little larger. Avoid sleeping on your hands. Shift your sleeping position and attempt propping up your arm with a pillow or two when you feel the twinges. If you awaken with pain, try shaking your hands till the pain or numbness goes away.
Practicing exercise can increase hand strength and may help alleviate your symptoms.
When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider?
Consult your supplier if the pain and numbness hinder your sleep or everyday regimen and before taking any pain medication. Your provider might suggest wearing a wrist splint or hand brace, a treatment that has helped lots of with carpal tunnel syndrome.
If your symptoms are continuous and severe– consistent numbness, muscle weakness, or loss of sensation– you’ll be described a professional.
Carpal tunnel syndrome may gradually deal with on its own after delivery. If symptoms continue after your baby is born, make certain to mention it to your doctor at one of your postpartum check outs so he can refer you to an orthopedist, if essential. The professional might first recommend splinting and taking anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.
If these conservative treatments don’t help, the next step may be to obtain injections of cortisone. In severe cases, a basic surgery may be needed to relieve the pressure on your median nerve.
