I am in my late 20’s and this is the time in my life where most of my female friends are either pregnant or already have kids. One complaint I hear of more than any other, especially during pregnancy is of pain, numbness and weakness in the hands. Most of the time this condition is something called carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
CTS is a condition where the nerve (Median Nerve) is pinched inside the wrist because of swelling of the finger flexor tendons. There are a few reasons why the finger flexors can become swollen such as; repetitive overuse, trauma, systemic swelling, diabetes, certain medication.
So what can be done about this condition? After birth most of the time this will resolve itself, however, it is possible that the condition could persist. If it does, these are some things you can do to help:
1. During pregnancy if you have gestational diabetes it important to discuss with your Doctor about how to properly control your blood sugar. High blood sugar could cause not only CTS but other systemic issues that will affect your life and your childs life.
2. Get enough exercise. Systemic swelling and edema are very common for those ladies that are sedentary. I am a male, so of course I do not understand what it is like to be 50lbs heavier than I was 3 months ago! That being said, mild forms of exercise are a good way to help the body reduce water retention and to help clear out systemic swelling.
3. Decreasing sugar and salt intake will also help the body to reduce swelling. Salt and sugar requires the body to retain water to maintain homeostasis (balance). The more sugar and salt you consume the more the body needs to retain water to balance out that excess minerals coming in.
4. If you are still working, try to use ergonomic keyboards and computer mouse. Have trained professional fit you with the proper workstation and try to stop working at least every 30mins.
5. Night splints are a good method to help relieve pressure off structures that are becoming impinged.
6. ICE - Icing the wrist could help reduce pain and decrease swelling in the short term.
7. This is the most impossible one for new moms…. Try to rest your wrist as much as possible and avoid using them for prolonged periods. Try to use breast feeding pillows, bolsters, towels, baby carries to avoid placing your hands in strange and unnatural positions to accommodate that new child.
8. Talk to a medical professional. Either a medical doctor or a physical therapist.
