Carpal tunnel during pregnancy can be a real bummer, but it doesn't have to be! Learn how to relieve carpal tunnel pain from pregnancy pain experts. We share details about carpal tunnel during pregnancy, typical symptoms, & of course how to find relieve!

Carpal Tunnel During Pregnancy

Typical Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel

Pregnancy Carpal Tunnel Solutions:

1. Forearm Lengthening Massage

Have a partner help you massage your forearm muscles! You can use lotion or biofreeze for comfort. Magnesium lotion is another great option with other added benefits! [more on this later]

You can simply massage both sides of the forearm towards the heart, or you can actively stretch while your partner massages! 

• For the front forearm [palm side]: start with your wrist flexed & curled in, have your partner massage up toward your elbow while you move your wrist through extension
• For the back forearm, start with your wrist extended & curled out, have your partner massage up toward your elbow while you move your wrist through flexion
• Repeat 3x on both sides [and both arms!]. Twice a day [before bed is great!]

2. Kinesiology Tape

Kinesiology tape can be useful basically anywhere on the body. To relieve carpal tunnel pain, you can apply it to your wrists, forearms, and even triceps. The tape gently lifts the outermost layer of skin to improve blood and lymphatic flow. This will ultimately help relieve pressure and reduce swelling in the carpal tunnel.

3. Chiropractic Adjustments

Getting your neck and upper extremity joints adjusted can be a game changer for pregnancy carpal tunnel. The nerves that supply the information to your hand [specifically your median nerve] originate from your neck. Adjusting and mobilizing the neck decreases compression on the nerves - thus promoting pain relief & improved function in your wrist/hand.

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4. Targeted Stretching for Carpal Tunnel 

• Median Nerve Stretch: Start with your arm extended and palm facing upwards. Bend your head to the opposite shoulder while you extend your wrists [so your fingers point to the floor]. 
• Ulnar & Radial Nerve Stretches: It's best to watch the video to fully understand these ones! They have a few more steps...that are totally worth it.

5. Swelling Relief for Pregnancy Carpal Tunnel

Swelling [increased fluid] is the most common cause of carpal tunnel during pregnancy. Postpartum, you may experience wrist, elbow, shoulder, or even thumb pain, but this is largely due to overworked muscles, new repetitive mom positions, and inflammation [hello, nursing at 3 am!]. Regardless of whether you're dealing with carpal tunnel during pregnancy or mommy arm postpartum, the tips below will be helpful in reducing your pain! To get everything you need, check out our carpal tunnel shopping list!

• Epsom Salt Bath/Soak: Epsom salt contains magnesium, which your body can absorb through your skin. Try a bath, keeping your arms submerged, for 20 minutes.
• Magnesium Lotion: We love magnesium lotion for a lot of reasons! Try massaging magnesium lotion over sore achy muscles before bed to help ease your discomfort. You can check our our favorite — its sold on amazon or Earthley.com.
• Hydration: With the increase in blood comes increased hydration needs! In order for water to get into your cells, it follows electrolytes like sodium and potassium. We love adding LMNT to water for an extra boost!
• Wrist Gaurd at Night: a wrist gaurd at night can help with swelling. A wrist gaurd will keep your wrist in a neutral position while you sleep!
• Compression Sleeve : Wear a compression sleeve on your arm to help with circulation [much like you would your calves / legs].