Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common nerve condition that occurs in people at some point of their life. The median nerve of your hand controls the sensory supply of the lateral half of your palm and its motor innervation controls the flexor muscles of the forearm. However, medical conditions in the arms such as trauma, inflammation or fluid retention can increase the pressure within the carpal tunnel. This may potentially compress the median nerve that can cause sensory or motor symptoms in your hand. In medical terms, this situation is known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Excessive fluid retention in pregnancy results in weight gain. During pregnancy, most of the fluid accumulates in the extravascular spaces like joint cavities, peritoneum or loose subcutaneous tissues and carpal tunnel of the wrist is one such small space where fluid accumulates very easily. This covers or encloses important structures such as median nerve, ulnar nerve or flexor tendons of the hands. Due to this, the median nerve gets compressed whenever there is compression of the space and leads to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. Usually, fluid retention occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, carpal tunnel syndrome affects the women in their mid-pregnancy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by inflammation can be local due to trauma or joint pathology. However, it may also be associated with various systemic inflammatory disorders. There are several causes of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. However, hypertension, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders, and excessive joint movement are considered as the major factors that contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.
A pregnant woman with carpal tunnel syndrome may find it difficult to perform her daily life activities such as holding her toothbrush, combing her hair, buttoning a shirt, driving a car, or looking after her newborn baby etc. The symptoms may also include weakness of grip, numbness, tingling, dull ache, hot fingers, swelling, decreased dexterity in the fingers. Also, these mild symptoms can become severe with time and in some cases, a woman may even find herself dropping items.
Usually, these symptoms are at their worst at night or early in the morning. You can experience these symptoms in your fingers, wrist, hands, forearm and shoulder in some cases. In most of the cases, these symptoms subside soon after the childbirth. However, if they persist, consult a gynaecologist or physiotherapist immediately.
Things To Do In Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy
Take Rest
In such cases, the doctor advises to avoid overusing your hand as it can aggravate the symptoms. Try to minimize activities and allow your hand to rest whenever possible. This will help in improving the symptoms easily and quickly.
Use Ice Pack
To reduce the inflammation, swelling and pain of the hand, you can use an ice pack or bathe the affected area in cold water for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can also switch from ice pack to hot water bottle, five minutes for each one. Doing so will also help you get relief from the problems caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Also, stop doing so if your symptoms keep worsening and consult a doctor.
Sleep In Right Position
You should sleep in the right position, which means you need to avoid sleeping on your affected side if the carpal tunnel affects your one hand. Elevate your hand and wrist whenever you are sleeping. Resting your hand on the pillow while sleeping reduces swelling and makes you feel comfortable. You can even hang your hand out of the bed and shake it as it also eases the pain and discomfort.
Do Exercise
Do exercise your hand after a period of rest as it improves blood circulation and decreases swelling. This can be very helpful in improving the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, make sure that you do not overdo it as it may result in a negative way.
Wrist Splint
Wear a wrist splint as it can help relieve the pain and keep your wrist from bending forward. Try to wear splint as much as possible, including overnight for the best and quick results.
Pain Medication
You can even try some medicines to get rid of pain. Since it is not a good idea to take medication during pregnancy, you should consult your gynaecologist for the same. They might prescribe you some medication that may help you with the symptoms.
Eat Balanced Diet
Try to eat a well-balanced diet as it keeps your weight balanced and saves you from obesity. Try to drink at least 10-12 glasses of water daily. Add foods high in vitamin B as it promotes a healthy nervous system. Dark green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, garlic, hazelnuts, avocado, butter fruit, chicken meat, fish such as salmon and cod are good sources of vitamin B. You can also take vitamin B complex supplement but consult with your doctor before that.
Best Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy
When none of the above prove to be effective or help in improving your symptoms, or the symptoms are affecting the quality of your life, then carpal tunnel release surgery is the best treatment you should go for. Carpal tunnel release surgery is also known as carpal tunnel decompression that involves the cutting of carpal ligament. Carpal ligament is connected to the bones in the wrist that forms the carpal tunnel. The median nerve and a number of tendons run through this carpal tunnel to the fingers. However, when pressure is built up in the carpal tunnel, the median nerve stops working properly and causes pain and discomfort.
However, carpal tunnel release surgery can help you get rid of your problem in a matter of no time. During carpal tunnel release surgery, the specialist surgeon divides the carpal ligament that releases the pressure of the nerve as well as makes room for the median nerve and tendons to pass through the tunnel easily. Carpal tunnel release surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that offers the most promising results. Since pregnancy is a very delicate situation, you should consult with a surgeon who is highly experienced in carpal tunnel release surgery. So that your surgery can be completed successfully.
If you are pregnant and suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, we would highly recommend you to contact Pristyn Care in or near your city. They are associated with India’s most experienced gynaecologists and orthopaedic surgeons. Their clinics are highly equipped with modern and advanced medical technologies. To get rid of your problems, you should contact them without having a second thought. To consult one of their best gynaecologists or orthopaedic surgeons, you can even book an appointment right now.