Tips to Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time. You’re full of anticipation for your little one’s arrival. However, pregnancy can also trigger some health conditions that need treatment. One of them is carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Although carpal tunnel syndrome is fairly rare in the general population, it’s quite common during pregnancy. Researchers estimate that one-third to more than half of pregnant women experience some degree of the condition. 

If you have pain in your wrist, hands, and/or fingers due to carpal tunnel syndrome, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists at Delta Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine can help relieve your discomfort. 

Our physicians guide your diagnosis and treatment, and our expert physical therapists use passive and active modalities to help you regain lost range of motion and ease your pain.   

Following are helpful tips that can relieve pain stemming from carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Allow the hand to rest 

Carpal tunnel syndrome often stems from repetitive motions of the wrist and fingers. If your pain stems from a hobby like crocheting or knitting, lay down the needles and rest your hand. Resting helps calm the inflammation and can ease pain. 

Use a splint to protect your hand

We understand that you want to avoid medication during pregnancy if you can. We can provide a splint that keeps your wrist and hand in a neutral position. 

Wearing the splint at night keeps you from bending your wrist while you’re asleep and waking up in pain. If you can, you may also wear the splint during the day. 

Use ergonomic aids to protect your hand

If you use your hand for your job and can’t afford weeks of rest, invest in ergonomic aids. If you use power tools for your job, retire your old tools and get support from new tools that have vibration suppression.  

If you type on a keyboard most of the day, invest in a curved or split keyboard, which you can purchase online or at a computer store. These keyboards allow your hands to remain in a resting position and prevent wrist strain that accompanies long periods of typing on a regular keyboard. 

Ice your wrist 

If your wrist or fingers are swollen, use an ice pack on your wrist and/or fingers for 10 minutes a few times each day. Or wrap ice in a towel if you don’t have an ice pack handy. You can also try soaking your hand in cold water and then warm water.  

Go to physical therapy 

Once your inflammation is under control, your surgeon likely recommends physical therapy. Our expert therapists use gentle massage to ease contraction of muscles and ligaments in the affected area. 

You also learn and use gentle stretches and other strengthening exercises that can help prevent future bouts of carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Although you want to avoid medication when you can while you’re pregnant, you can use acetaminophen sparingly to help control pain temporarily. In addition, if your pain is severe, your doctor can determine whether a cortisone shot is going to be safe and effective for you. 

The good news is that your carpal tunnel syndrome is likely to be temporary. Most cases resolve in the months after your baby is born. 

Call Delta Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine or book an appointment through our online portal today if you suspect you have carpal tunnel syndrome, and for all of your orthopedic needs.  We’re conveniently located in West Memphis, Arkansas, and Collierville, Tennessee.