
It can also be beneficial to use strategies to reduce or manage swelling in the hand and wrist. This exercise can reduce the stiffness in your finger joints and help reduce swelling. Open and close your hands to make a gentle fist, repeating 5 -10 times, several times per day pain-free.

Ask for help with food preparation or tasks that provoke symptoms.repetitive tasks such as writing, typing, using a mouse, carrying grocery bags and household chores. Modify heavy lifting or activities that make the symptoms worse e.g.Wearing a wrist splint can help with this. Keep your wrist from bending or ‘flopping’ forward when doing everyday tasks.Minimise sleeping on the affected side (if your symptoms are only in one hand) and raise the arm on a pillow if possible.Try wearing splints as much as possible, including overnight, the best results.Ĭhanging the way in which you perform day to day tasks, to reduce the bending of the wrist and pressure in the carpal tunnel, can improve and assist in the management of symptoms.Wearing wrist splints (available from the chemist or your physiotherapist) can help relieve pain and keep your wrist/s from bending forwards. Those with symptoms persisting beyond this should consult with their doctor or physiotherapist. How do I manage my symptoms?Ĭonservative management for up to three months is recommended for pregnancy related carpal tunnel syndrome. In most cases, the symptoms should begin to ease soon after the birth of your baby and will resolve over time. In some cases this can cause weakness of the hand and you may have difficulty gripping or find yourself dropping items. . These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect your ability to sleep and use your hands for everyday tasks such as shampooing your hair, fastening buttons, holding your toothbrush and looking after your new baby. This can cause numbness, tingling, stiffness or pain in the hand and wrist.

Increased fluid and relaxation of the ligaments in the hand and wrist can cause pressure and compress the nerves and blood vessels of the carpal tunnel. Pregnancy-Carpal tunnel syndrome What is pregnancy related carpal tunnel syndrome?
