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What Causes Wrist Pain During Pregnancy?
Question: Hello Doctor,
My wife is seven months pregnant. From the last 2 months she has pain in her left wrist (concentrated in and around the wrist bone). While during the day, she does not have a problem while working on the computer, in the mornings after waking up, she feels sharp shooting pain in the area for atleast 15-20 minutes. We had met with an orthopaedic and he suggested a gel and recommended that she wears a wrist splint. however, the problem is not really resolved. She is not taking any medicine on the same right now. Request if you could suggest what can be done to cure this.
My wife is seven months pregnant. From the last 2 months she has pain in her left wrist (concentrated in and around the wrist bone). While during the day, she does not have a problem while working on the computer, in the mornings after waking up, she feels sharp shooting pain in the area for atleast 15-20 minutes. We had met with an orthopaedic and he suggested a gel and recommended that she wears a wrist splint. however, the problem is not really resolved. She is not taking any medicine on the same right now. Request if you could suggest what can be done to cure this.
Brief Answer:
Hormonal changes in pregnancy may be a cause
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting
I have carefully gone through the query, this type of pain is very common during pregnancy because of hormonal changes and build up of fluid can put pregnant women at greater risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), especially during the last few months. This is a temporary condition as CTS almost always goes away following childbirth and does not require surgery.
My suggestion would be-
1. Try not to sleep on your hands, allow your hand and wrist to rest and recover every so often will lower your risk of swelling .Use a pillow to prop up your arms at night. Shake your hands and wrists out frequently.
2. As she has to operate the computer my advice for her is, after typing with your wrist and hand extended, it is helpful to make a tight fist and hold it for a second, then stretch out the fingers and hold for a few seconds. Try repeating this several times.
3. A physical therapist can help her do special exercises to make your wrist and hand stronger. There are also many different kinds of treatments that can make CTS better and help relieve symptoms.
4. The short-term use of paracetamol, ibuprofen along with wrist support (brace) may be helpful to control CTS pain after consultation with her treating doctor.
Hope this information suffices.
Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Regards
Dr. Chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon
Virtual clinic (http://bit.ly/drmchugh)
Hormonal changes in pregnancy may be a cause
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting
I have carefully gone through the query, this type of pain is very common during pregnancy because of hormonal changes and build up of fluid can put pregnant women at greater risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), especially during the last few months. This is a temporary condition as CTS almost always goes away following childbirth and does not require surgery.
My suggestion would be-
1. Try not to sleep on your hands, allow your hand and wrist to rest and recover every so often will lower your risk of swelling .Use a pillow to prop up your arms at night. Shake your hands and wrists out frequently.
2. As she has to operate the computer my advice for her is, after typing with your wrist and hand extended, it is helpful to make a tight fist and hold it for a second, then stretch out the fingers and hold for a few seconds. Try repeating this several times.
3. A physical therapist can help her do special exercises to make your wrist and hand stronger. There are also many different kinds of treatments that can make CTS better and help relieve symptoms.
4. The short-term use of paracetamol, ibuprofen along with wrist support (brace) may be helpful to control CTS pain after consultation with her treating doctor.
Hope this information suffices.
Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Regards
Dr. Chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon
Virtual clinic (http://bit.ly/drmchugh)
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Mukesh Chugh
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :1997
Answered : 1619 Questions
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