What to do if your wrist hurts during pregnancy

We all know that the physical fitness of pregnant women will be worse than usual, after all, there is a baby in her belly. Therefore, at this time, pain will easily find pregnant women. For example, pregnant women will feel pain in their wrists. In fact, this is a disease called carpal tunnel syndrome. However, pregnant women don’t need to worry too much. Next, the editor will tell you how to treat wrist pain during pregnancy.

1. Change your lifestyle

A. If the pregnant mother still uses the computer frequently during pregnancy, in order to avoid aggravating the condition, check whether the keyboard is placed at a suitable height so that the wrist does not need to be bent too much when typing. You can also place a wrist rest under the wrist.

B. You can place a small pillow under your wrist when you sleep.

C. Raise your arms frequently to increase venous and lymphatic return, which can effectively reduce wrist edema.

D. Pregnant mothers should try to reduce salt intake in their diet to effectively prevent edema.

2. Local braking

When the wrist is in a neutral position (ie, the wrist and forearm are in the same plane), the pressure in the carpal tunnel is lowest. A splint can be used to immobilize the wrist in a neutral position, which can provide local rest and prevent wrist flexion. It is suitable for mild or moderate carpal tunnel syndrome and has significant therapeutic effects on patients who wake up at night due to repeated pain. Local braking is often used at night and during the day depending on the specific condition.

3. Physical therapy

Physical therapy such as local hot compresses, infrared lamps, massage, and acupuncture mainly aims to increase blood circulation, promote tissue fluid absorption, and reduce local irritation, but the treatment effects vary from person to person.

4. Medication

A. Neurotrophic drugs: Taking vitamin B1 and vitamin B12 can nourish the nerves and promote the repair of damaged nerves.

B. Diuretics: For those with pregnancy edema, diuretics such as furosemide can be given under the guidance of a doctor if necessary.

C. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are commonly known as "painkillers", may be effective for patients with acute inflammation, but they have little therapeutic effect on most patients with pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel syndrome and only have a temporary analgesic effect.

5. Carpal tunnel closure

Currently, the commonly used method is to inject steroid hormones such as corticosteroids into the carpal tunnel, which can promote blood circulation in the carpal tunnel, reduce edema, improve inflammation, and promote the repair of damaged tissue, thereby reducing the compression and edema of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel and controlling the disease. The course of the disease is short, and patients with mild symptoms usually receive better results. It is more suitable for patients in late pregnancy.

The above are some methods that I want to introduce to you about treating wrist pain during pregnancy. I hope that my sharing will be helpful to expectant mothers who have this situation. The editor reminds all pregnant mothers to pay more attention to their physical condition during pregnancy, pay attention to diet, and ensure adequate sleep. The editor also wishes you all good health.