Hand & wrist pain during pregnancy
Causes:
Common hand and wrist problems during pregnancy:
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
It is a pain in the wrist. Comes second after low back pain as the most common musculoskeletal problems during pregnancy. Usually bilateral. Pain during sleep (awakening pain).
2. De Quervain or Mums thumb “Thumb pain”:
Bilateral thumb pain usually happens to mothers postpartum. Therefore, you should be careful if the pain started during pregnancy and start the treatment program as soon as possible, as there is a chance that pain will increase after the delivery.
3. Ligamentous and joint laxity in the hand:
Hormonal changes ➡ ligaments and joints ➡ laxity in the hand ➡ Hand & wrist problems ➡ Pain
Treatment:
What can we do to reduce hand & wrist pain during pregnancy?
Splint
Reducing fluid-retention swelling:
This will reduce the swelling and therefore reduce pain. Notice regarding the contrast bath: you must finish with cold water. It doesn't matter if you start the exercise with hot or cold water, you must always finish with cold water.
The last exercise that can be used to reduce swelling is shown in the video.
1. Lift your hand up, close & open your fingers (10 times).
2. Bring your hand down (3 rounds).
3. Do this exercise 5/day.
Range of motion exercises for wrist and fingers during pregnancy:
Wrist and thumb pain after delivery:
As I mentioned before, one of the causes of wrist and thumb pain during pregnancy is hormonal changes, and usually this pain fades a few months after delivery.
However, Carpal Tunnel and De Quervain syndromes have other causes like repetitive movements in wrist and thumb, which might occur after delivery due to baby care and holding the baby repetitively in a wrong way.
Moms should be careful especially if they have other kids to take care of or a job or a hobby that requires repetitive movements of wrist and thumb and start with the treatment during pregnancy
