CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME/DE QUERVAINS
Carpal tunnel syndrome and De Quervain's tenosynovitis are the two most common causes of hand pain for women who are expecting or have just delivered.
If you have tingling, numb and painful hands during pregnancy, it's likely to be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It affects 30-50% of pregnant women. Symptoms vary and can range from mild to very painful, and may affect one or both hands.
What you may feel with CTS
Pins and needles
Numbness
Pain, may be worse at night
Weakness in the hand(s)
Burning sensations in the fingers
Sharp darting pains from the wrist
Radiating pain into the arm and shoulder
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is common in new mothers because of the awkward hand positions used to care for or breastfeed a baby. It occurs when one or both of the tendons that move the thumb become inflamed. The compartment which houses the tendons is just the right size for the tendons, much like driving a car through a tunnel. De Quervain's can be a vicious cycle, as the inflamed tendon keeps hitting the walls of its compartment so it is best to get assessed by a physiotherapist.
What you may feel with De Quervains tensosynovitis:
Pain near the base of your thumb
Swelling near the base of your thumb
Difficulty moving your thumb and wrist when doing something that involves grasping or pinching
A "sticking" or "stop-and-go" sensation in your thumb when moving it
Treatment may consist of:
Education on activities to avoid or modify
Hands on treatment to relieve area of pain