Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition of the hand and arm which causes numbness, tingling along with other symptoms. The most common cause it occurs is due to the median nerve being pinched in the wrist. The median nerve runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist (carpal tunnel) to the hand. Common alterations in balance of body fluids during pregnancy increase the pressure within the carpal tunnel, and may resolve on its own after pregnancy. The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy may be as high as 62% with these most common symptoms:
Numbness and tingling of:
Thumb
Index finger
Middle finger
Radial half of the ring finger
Burning dysesthetic wrist pain
Loss of grip strength
Loss of dexterity
Proximal radiation along:
Volar foramen
Medial arm
Shoulder.
These symptoms may be worsened by:
Night time
Forceful activity
Extreme wrist position.
Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome is done so with very close testing and high specificity with an in-depth physical and medical history. It is most common in women in their third trimester, and most all women will show some symptoms. Treatments include:
Activity modification
Splinting
Controlling edema
Steroid injections in severe cases.
Figure 2 – Anatomy of carpal tunnel.
Figure 3 – Some helpful exercises.
Figure 4 – Areas of numbness and pain.
Figure 5 – Sample protocol of what the doctor will order.
Women residing in Denver should visit the Denver Holistic Center for more information if they are pregnant and feel any of these symptoms.