Women who are pregnant should probably avoid keyboarding too much. The hands and arms may be more at risk than previously known. Data revealed at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons or AAOS, show gestational carpal tunnel syndrome is more active in pregnancy period than priorly thought.
Never heard of GCTS? Here’s what it is…
The AAOS define Gestational carpal tunnel syndrome as a condition that causes severe numbness, pain, and possibly tingling sensations in the hands and arm. This is what many people generally see as connected to heavy use of hand for things such as typing with bad posture. However, that common belief is only a fraction of ways which the syndrome is formed.
Medical researches now have expanded the condition to women who have a specific type of pregnancy that’s not yet been made clear. What is thought by Doctors, drastic changes to women’s bodies create a situation in the body for the nerves condition to develop. The new levels of fluid retention, changes of hormones, and excessive weight gains from unhealthy eating could be causes.
The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is not permanent
Most of the women who face CTS during pregnancy do not have it terminally. Only 28% of those women tested during pregnancy were symptomatic. Of that minority group, nearly 85% see the arm & hand condition dissipate within six weeks postpartum. Of the last 15%, many will also see the issue fade away. However, those who have carpal tunnel syndrome after 3 months, will likely see the condition worsen. If signs arise, it imperative women use tips for carpal tunnel syndrome to help improve the physical state.
These cases of the syndrome worsening were higher amongst people who smoke, have a higher body mass index (BMI), and have history of preeclampsia. The health habits of non-Caucasian groups monitored also seem contribute to a higher risk of CTS. Across the board however, women in their 50s to 60s have the highest rate of need for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.
The total number of mothers affected by carpal tunnel annually in the United States is believed to be around 280,000. As women giving birth to over 4 million babies each year, this accounts for about 7% of the population of women who are pregnant .
