Wrist and Thumb Pain During and After Pregnancy?
It is very common for women to experience odd sensations such as burning, tingling, numbness or pain in their fingers and/or wrist during pregnancy.
There are two common conditions that are likely responsible for this, one being Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and the other is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
CTS is when there is pain in the wrist and hand along with odd sensations typically in the thumb, index, middle and ring finger.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is when there is pain over the thumb muscles and has the potential to extend into the outer wrist and forearm.
Both of these conditions are caused by various changes that comes with pregnancy which includes softening hormones, increased fluid retention and repetitive loading such as lifting up your new Bub!
All of these has the potential for new mothers to put strains and pressure on the tendons, muscles, ligaments and nerve in your wrist and thumb which can become sensitive overtime.
Speak to one of our clinicians so that we can get a clear history of your pain and perform a comprehensive examination of your wrist, thumb and surrounding structures to determine what is the most likely contributing factor to your wrist and thumb symptoms. We are most interested to know of the activities and postures that you find most difficult as that is what we want you to be able to achieve.
Treatment will depend on the main reason that you are getting the pain or odd sensation so it will be different for everyone.
It is important to take action earlier than later when you notice you are getting wrist or thumb symptoms by seeing a physiotherapist or occupational therapist as these are unlikely to get better by itself.
The clinician may show you different ways to do your usual activities including feeding your bub and will teach you the best way to position your wrists and fingers to reduce the tension on the structures that are likely sensitive.
Other treatment that may be utilised includes icing, exercise therapy, and splinting if deemed necessary.