5 Ways to Find Relief of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the second most common musculoskeletal issue during pregnancy following low back pain.

This condition is characterized by pain/numbness into the hands and fingers due to compression of the median nerve. This is most common during the third trimester and is usually worsened in situations of increased swelling or fluid retention. The good news is these symptoms generally resolve on their own within the first few weeks postpartum as swelling tends to resolve.

Risk Factors for Developing CTS

Patients are at a higher risk of developing CTS if they:

• Had CTS in previous pregnancies

• Have a higher BMI

• Have gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia

• Have a history of smoking

• Are of increased maternal age

Symptoms of CTS

• Numbness and tingling into the hand and fingers

• Wrist pain

• Swelling of the wrist and hand

• Awakening at night due to pain and numbness

• Commonly on both sides during pregnancy

What Can You Do for Symptom Relief?

1. Swelling Control

• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps reduce fluid retention.

• Dietary Adjustments: Reducing salt intake can help minimize swelling.

• Elevation: Keeping hands elevated when possible can assist in fluid drainage.

• Cold Therapy: Applying ice packs can help decrease inflammation.

2. Wrist Splinting at night

• Wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, can help keep the wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the median nerve (O’Connor et al., 2003).

3. Hand Exercises and Nerve Gliding

• Gentle stretching and nerve gliding exercises may improve symptoms by promoting mobility and reducing nerve compression.

• Wrist flexion and extension exercises can help maintain strength and mobility without exacerbating symptoms.

4. Activity Modification

• Avoiding or scaling on repetitive wrist movements.

• Alter workout movements that provoke symptoms like push-ups or planks.

• Adjusting workstations to promote ergonomic wrist positioning can help reduce strain.

• May consider wearing a wrist splint for extra support during activities that involve a lot of wrist movement.

5. Medical Interventions

• Corticosteroid Injections: In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation (Bland, 2007). However, these should be discussed with a healthcare provider during pregnancy.

When is Surgery Necessary?

Carpal tunnel release surgery is generally reserved for severe, persistent cases that do not respond to conservative treatment. However, since pregnancy-related CTS often resolves postpartum, surgery is rarely needed during pregnancy (Mondelli et al., 2007).

Postpartum Recovery

Many individuals experience symptom improvement after delivery due to reduced fluid retention and hormonal changes. However, some may continue to experience mild symptoms, especially if engaging in repetitive hand movements such as breastfeeding positioning. Continuing wrist exercises and ergonomic adjustments can help in the postpartum period.

Final Thoughts

Carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy can be uncomfortable, but with appropriate management, most individuals find relief. Wrist splinting, hand exercises, and activity modification are effective conservative treatments. If symptoms persist postpartum, seeking medical evaluation can help determine if further intervention is necessary.

For those experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, consulting a physical therapist can provide personalized treatment strategies including manual therapy and exercises..