Carpel tunnel syndrome in pregnancy

Carpel tunnel syndrome is commonly described as pain, tingling and numbness in your hands. The carpal tunnel is a small tunnel that runs from the bottom of your wrist to your lower palm. Feeling and movement is controlled by the median nerve that runs through this tunnel. During pregnancy it is common to have mild swelling, caused by a build up of fluid. This swelling can place pressure over the nerve and cause the symptoms described above. This fluid can also be responsible for what some people call the pregnancy glow.

Around 60% of pregnant women can suffer from carpel tunnel syndrome to varying degrees, more commonly in the second and third trimester. The majority of people that suffer from it tend to suffer very mildly and also temporarily, with most cases disappearing soon after birth. However, for the unlucky minority it can linger for several months and very rarely a bit longer.

Symptoms can often be worse at night and can cause you to wake up. Changing your sleeping position can often be helpful, ensuring you are not resting on your hands (You better make sure you sleep while you are pregnant because we all know what happens after the baby comes...) Shaking your hands can also help to reduce the tingling. Changing the position of your arm and hand can also be helpful. Flexing your wrists and fingers throughout the day can also help. Sometimes a physiotherapist might also use ultrasound to reduce the pain.

Wrist splints are normally the biggest helper. They help keep your wrist straight which maximises the space in the carpal tunnel.

Often changing the positions of your wrist during activities that cause the pain can help. For example, think about adjusting the height of your office chair so your wrists are straighter when typing, or resting your hands on a pillow either straight or extended while sleeping (with the wrist splints also)

Pregnancy yoga can bring many advantages during pregnancy but it's particularly helpful with reducing the symptoms of carpel tunnel syndrome. Other wrist and arm stretches and exercises may also be recommended to strengthen the muscles in the hand and arm.

If you are suffering from carpel tunnel syndrome and would like to book an appointment, please contact me on 0544485086 or by email to tamaramay.physio@gmail.com. I can arrange to see you in Bishvilaych Women's Comprehensive Medical Centre in Givat Shaul, Jerusalem or a home visit if you live in Gush Etzion.

Ergonomics and Pregnancy

When taking a history of a patient I always ask about social history, their lifestyle, family life and job situation. Now you may think this is just chit-chat, while others conclude that I am just plain nosy. But in actual fact the answers to these questions can tell me a lot about the patient's health.

Ergonomics in its simplest sense is making sure that the things you work with do not cause you harm. Ergonomics is very important for those that are not pregnant, and this is multiplied during pregnancy due to the quick postural changes seen over a pregnancy. If you are in a office job all day it is important to stretch regularly, get up from your desk and take a quick walk.

Ensuring the height of the chair is correct is also important, and the knee bend should be at 90 degrees with a foot stool to support your feet if you are on the shorter side. You should also sit at a 90 degree angle at the hips. Lumbar support for the lower back is also important, and this can be achieved with a small pillow. Your wrists should be straight when typing. The vision distance should be 18-24 inches, positioned at eye level.

If you want to start a new trend in the office you could even bring your gym ball along and switch between your chair and gym ball, this is a great exercise just by sitting on it and you probably won't even realise it.

Whether you are in a class room, office or factory, most jobs require carrying of equipment (or children). Posture here is very important, ensuring the object is not too heavy. Don't bend your back but rather bend your knees down towards what you are picking up, holding it close to you at mid level.

Remember if you think the object is too heavy to carry, don't carry it, get someone to help you or get someone to carry it for you.

I have always liked a tidy home but a reorganisation of the work place can also be important too. Ensuring regular objects are placed at waist height and not on the top or bottom shelf is really important.

Repetitive movements are also a good thing to avoid, like constantly clicking a computer mouse. However, if it cannot be avoided it should be performed in the best way possible, in this case with your wrist in a horizontal position.

If you are suffering from any type of muscle problem and would like to book an appointment, please contact me on 0544485086 or by email to tamaramay.physio@gmail.com.  I can arrange to see you in Bishvilaych Women's Comprehensive Medical Centre in Givat Shaul, Jerusalem or a home visit if you live in Gush Etzion.