why do we get hand numbness?

Re: why do we get hand numbness?

I remember reading all the biological blah blah on it and now it completely escapes my mind.

Re: why do we get hand numbness?

I remember reading all the biological blah blah on it and now it completely escapes my mind.

Re: why do we get hand numbness?

not sure if it is related, but I just read an article in Parents or Parenting that pregnant women are especially prone to Carpal Tunnel, although I don't remember the reason!

Re: why do we get hand numbness?

Could be the baby shifting and putting pressure on a nerve....

Re: why do we get hand numbness?

I just asked my Dr about this last week....they said because of all the swelling, you get more senstive....and supposedly after you give birth, it goes away. Good Luck! I have heard that wrist supports help!

Re: why do we get hand numbness?

Welcome to the world of carpal tunnel. It bites! I sleep with a wrist guard on and I started acupuncture a few weeks ago that has helped. Three fingers on each hand have been numb for months.


What causes carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy?

The carpal tunnel is a bony canal formed by the wrist bones on three sides and a ligament that runs across the wrist on the other. The swelling and fluid retention that's so common during pregnancy can increase the pressure in this relatively narrow and inflexible space, compressing the median nerve that runs through it.

The median nerve gives sensation to the thumb and the index, middle, and half of the ring finger and is responsible for movement of a muscle at the base of the thumb. Pressure on this nerve is what causes the symptoms.

What can I do to relieve the pain?
If possible, avoid any activity that requires forceful, repetitive hand movements. Although these movements may not have caused your carpal tunnel syndrome, they can make your symptoms worse.

If your job requires this kind of movement and you must continue it, consider wearing wrist or hand braces while you work.

If you're working at a computer, adjust the height of your chair so your wrists aren't bent downward as you type. Using a special ergonomic keyboard can help in some cases. Remember to take breaks to stretch your hands.

If your symptoms bother you at night, shift your sleeping position and try to prop up your arm with a pillow or two when you feel the twinges. Avoid sleeping on your hands. If you wake up with pain, try shaking your hands until the pain or numbness goes away.

If you have a lot of discomfort at night, try stabilizing your wrist in a neutral position (not bent) with a splint or brace. A neutral position allows the carpal tunnel to be slightly wider.

Practicing yoga can help relieve the pain and increase hand strength. You may have heard that taking extra vitamin B6 can help, but two small clinical trials have shown no immediate benefit from this treatment.