Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

[squishy]

Am 32 weeks and have recently developed this horrible thing! It's particularly painful at night and in the mornings - MW suggested the physio makes some splints to immobilise my wrists, but don't see how this will help. Has anyone tried anything that was soothing?

My baby is six months now and I have carpal tunnel syndrome; didn't have it at all while pregnant. Today it was agony - all fingers numb and tingling, shoulder and arm painful. Also get a feeling like electric shocks going through my hand when I use my hand sometimes. Has anyone else had it while not pregnant? Is an operation my only hope? It's hideous!

My friend had this through her pregnancy - shes just had an operation and says shes pain free - reckons the op was well worth it and is waiting to have her other hand done in the new year

I have it even when i'm not pregnant and I think the hot & cold thing works best. Splints have never helped me personally.

Squishy and others with CTS - I'm an occupational therapist and part of my job is treating people with CTS and I've had it myself. I give this leaflet to all my patients as I find it's very comprehensive.

Also my other best tips are:

• buy a floppy plastic jar opener (usually around 99p) and use it every time you do a 'twisting' movement - jars, door handles, stiff taps etc.
• If you can use two hands, do.
• if someone else can do it, let them.
• Only wear the splints when 'doing' an activity or while asleep, not when at rest.

Good luck to you all - if you have it while pg you'll probably get better within a short time of giving birth. If you got it when not pg keep going back to your GP until you get to see an OT or consultant as it can be fixed, don't just put up with it.