carpal tunnel syndrome- any tips?

[madmumNika]

Hi ladies,

Just wondering if anyone has any 'magic cures' for carpal tunnel syndrome? I developed it in both hands a few days ago, and have just turned 35 weeks now- finding it very hard to type, and my grip is weak- plus being woken by the numbness/pins & needles at night quite a bit (tried sleeping with hands elevated but they don't seem to stay there, especially as I'm lying on my side!). Any advice would be much appreciated! At least it didn't happen any earlier in pregnancy! xxx

Hiya

Totally sympathise!! I had it so bad I used to have to walk around the room at 4am to get rid of the numbness. You can see a physio and have splints to help it, but to be honest, by the time appt is through, you prob would have had the baby!

My midwife advised me to let my hand hang out of the bed for short periods - increases the blood flow etc and don't handle anything hot as you may not be able to grip it and could spill hot water on yourself. Also try putting hands up at the side of your head when sleeping....

There are carpal tunnel websites where you can get more info so if you google that, should help?

Are you sure your have CTS ?
Lots of things would do this.
What sort of keyboard to you have ?

When you are sitting watching TV or whatever, rest your hands on top of a pile of cushions so they are higher than your head.

Thanks for the replies... Midwife confirmed on Staurday that she thinks it's CTS, I haven't been doing all that much computer work it just appears to be fluid-retention related. Will try the advice out! It is frustrating to feel such weakness in my hands! But guess it shouldn't be for too long now! Have looked up some more info about splints etc. but think like NikkiBFG said by the time I get these the baby will probably be here! xx

this might help.

silly as it sounds but i would put my hands in warm water it would normally ease the pain. It doesnt always get better after having them released. had both of mine done last year, the right hand is fanastic,no pain since haing it done, but the left hand is now very tight across the palm from the scar tissue.

I had acupuncture for mine - it sort of worked! Good news is that it disappears with the baby's arrival. It is horrible though so you do have my sympathy.