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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A Painful Problem During Pregnancy
By William Hagberg, MD
The definitive diagnostic procedure is a study of the nerve as it goes through the wrist, called a nerve conduction study (NCS). This study will detect over 90 percent of persons with carpal tunnel. However, some people with normal tests will still have carpal tunnel. The history and physical exam is strongly suggestive of CTS and the nerve conduction study tends to confirm the diagnosis and quantify the severity of the nerve compression.
To reduce pain in a mother whose condition hasn't disappeared or in any other sufferer, a specialist or orthopedic surgeon may inject a small dose of cortisone into the wrist.
Persistent carpal tunnel may require surgery that can be performed on an out-patient basis. The procedure is not complex, involving only a small incision made in the palm of the hand near the wrist. As the ligament heals, scar tissue will increase the ligament's elasticity by approximately 25 percent. This procedure allows patients to resume routine tasks within about four to six weeks.
- Reducing salt intake allows the body to retain less fluid
- Change positions frequently
- Take regular work breaks
- Vary repetitive tasks to help avoid tweaking the same sore spots continuously
Pregnant women who develop CTS are not likely to develop this condition again – unless, of course, there is another pregnancy – because the problem usually clears up after delivery. For women who have experienced symptoms prior to their pregnancy, it is possible the problem won't go away and you may need to visit your physician.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Anonymous on 05/16/2009 05:39PM
CTS is a very painful situation for anyone steriod injections only prolongs the problem, most of the time. Exercise is helpful in the earilier stages ,but while the pain and the lost of function increases it is time for the 3rd choice to end that horrible pain. Be well pregnant mothers and others.