Anybody have wrist pain with their pregnancy?

For the last week or two my wrists have been in pain. I just read up on it and the article states that pregnancy can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Am I the only one with this unusual pain?

Re: Anybody have wrist pain with their pregnancy?

I can't really help because I have a lot of wrist pain, as it is from being a musician. However, I have heard that about carpel tunnel, as well. Do you think it has anything to do with when you fell?

Re: Anybody have wrist pain with their pregnancy?

Well at first but that was two months ago now....I found this when I looked it up online...

Quote:
Originally Posted by LISA26
Hi...i Am 26 Years Old. I Do Not Know What The Heck Is Wrong With My Wrists.
Lisa



Have you been pregnant recently or are you pregnant now?

What you are saying sounds like carpal tunnel syndrome. Though its definately worth seeing a doctor for diagnosis and treatment ASAP.

Pregnancy causes fluid retention in the body. This can cause the space deep to the flexor retinaculum (the carpal tunnel) to become compressed. The carpal tunnel contains the median nerve and some tendons. Pressure on the median nerve causes pain and motor loss.

This problem is progressive and begins with pain in the palm and the palm side of the palm, except for the pinky and pinky-half of the wedding ring finger. There will be pain in the nailbeds of your affected hand, except for the pinky and pinky-half the wedding ring finger.

Motor losses in the thumb occur later in CTS. THe thumb will twitch uncontrollably occasionally. The thumb will be incapable of opposition (touching the thumb to the pinky). At the very very late stages the muscles of the thumb will shrink and it will lose its shape.

The reason there is pain at night is due to rising cortisol levels. At night the adrenal glands secrete cortisol. Secretion increases as the night progresses and peaks at waking - this is what is meant to get us out of bed. Cortisol also causes fluid retention in the body. Hence this presses on the carpal tunnel and causes pain. That's why it might hurt at night.

Another cause other than pregnancy is due to excessive movements of the fingers. This causes swelling in the protective sheathes around the tendons. Since the tendons are in the carpal tunnel they will press on the median nerve. This is common in farmers/manual labourers.

I have no idea about the middle finger. It is supplied by the median nerve. In particular it is supplied by the C7 root of the median nerve. However I don't know if this is separate or part of CTS. I suspect that the part of the median nerve supplying the middle finger is being compressed THE MOST when you crack your fingers resulting in pain from here.

More causes of CTS:
Anything that causes edema such as blocked lympatics or heart failure.
Acromegaly - excessive secretion of growth hormone after puberty.

Go see a real doctor. Seriously. Its not possible to do a diagnosis unless a doc talks to you and does an examination.

Re: Anybody have wrist pain with their pregnancy?

Yeah, but I broke my ankle three years ago and it still hurts frequently.

Re: Anybody have wrist pain with their pregnancy?

my right hand would go numb when I slept....don't worry it goes away after you deliver!

Re: Anybody have wrist pain with their pregnancy?

Posted by prncssrachel

Yeah, but I broke my ankle three years ago and it still hurts frequently.

Re: Anybody have wrist pain with their pregnancy?

yes, i posted about this a few weeks ago. sometimes i am up all night because of it. i hope it does go away afterwards. i usually sleep with a wrist brace that the pharmacy recommended.

Re: Anybody have wrist pain with their pregnancy?

Wonder if IcyHot would be good for this? It bothers me in the daytime too

Re: Anybody have wrist pain with their pregnancy?

Posted by Moehick

Wonder if IcyHot would be good for this? It bothers me in the daytime too

Re: Anybody have wrist pain with their pregnancy?

Message edited 2/1/2009 3:04:21 PM.

Re: Anybody have wrist pain with their pregnancy?

I had carpal tunnel syndrome with my first pregnancy. I had to wear a wrist brace and it did help. It went away after I had my son. Definitely because of the pregnancy.
Luckily with this one, I don't have it.

Feel better...try the wrist brace.

Re: Anybody have wrist pain with their pregnancy?

Thanks...I will try the brace. I had no idea CTS could be because of pregnancy!