What is Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve that runs through the wrist into the hand. Carpal tunnel occurs due to overuse, repetitive hand movements, arthritis or pregnancy.
Carpal tunnel in pregnancy
During pregnancy hormonal changes occur that can result in fluid retention. Fluid retention in the hand and wrist can compress the median nerve resulting in the carpal tunnel symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome triggered by pregnancy usually resolves soon after birth.
Symptoms
- Numbness
- Pins and needles
- Increasing symptoms at night
- Radiating pain into forearm
- Weakness in hand/grip
- Pain with thumb movements
- Loss of hand coordination
Aggravating Factors
- Repetitive hands movement
- Sustained positions
- Weight through wrists
- Arthritis
Treatment
- Physiotherapy
- Rest/Modify activities
- Massage
- Ice
- Elevation
- Contrast baths (alternating hot and cold water)
- Splints
- Muscle pump exercises
- Avoid sleeping on affected side
- Ultrasound
- Cortisone injection into wrist