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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Strain in the muscle in my left hand

    Related Topics
    Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Sports Injuries & Prevention
    I've recently noticed a straining pain in my left hand which is the hand i write with and type with. It is a straining pain and has gotten worse? Is there anything else i can do to help relieve the pain? I am 35 weeks pregnant, is it related?
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  • Nicholas Karam

    Exercise Physiologist

    Specialist treatment for injury rehabilitation, management of diabetes, weight management, corporate health View Profile

    Hi,

    Obviously a little difficult to diagnose without a physcial assessment and scans (potentially). However, if this is the first time that you have experienced these symptoms it is quite possible that you may have symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).

    CTS can be brought on by overuse or incorrect use of the wrist. Also, it is common that the symptoms of CTS develop during pregnancy. For women who have not experienced CTS prior to pregnancy it generally resolves a month or so post birth.

    If not CTS can be managed by modifying actvities (Eg, frequency of typing, heavy lifting etc) and completing stretches. Some braces are also available. In more severe cases a routine surgery is also an option.

    All the best with the pregnancy.

    www.elitexercise.com.au

    Nicholas

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  • Jonathan Harris

    Physiotherapist

    Jonathan Harris is a Titled Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist having achieved Master Degrees in both fields. As well as his undergraduate Physiotherapy degree he also … View Profile

    It is very likely that your pregnancy is related to your wrist pain. Commonly, in the mid to later stages of pregnancy you swell more in joints (you retain a bit more fluid). This can result in a thing called ‘carpal tunnel’ and is a very common complaint for ladies at this stage of pregnancy.
    The first rule of thumb in this situation is to reduce the aggravating activity. You should also see your manual therapist. They can mobilise the wrist structure and massage the muscles in the forearm to take excessive tension out of the area. Your manual therapist can also check if there are any other factors that might be adding to the problem. Posture and neck stiffness often complicate this problem and need to be addressed to fully resolve the issue.
    Definitely see your manual therapist (physio/osteo/chiro) so they can manage the issue for you through the later stages of your pregnancy.

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  • Ashlee Nash

    Physiotherapist

    I completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Newcastle in 2009. I have worked for Mitchell Physiotherapy since this time with an emphasis … View Profile

    I would see a health professional to have an assessment done on the hand. Just to check whether there might be some tightness issues with the muscle or whether the muscle is weak because you are overusing it and that could be causing the pain. Obviously we would then do some strengthening exercises. It might need some other hands-on treatment from a physio. In regards to the pregnancy, it does change your posture. If you are sitting for long periods of time then in a new posture, it can relate to wrist pain.

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    Thanks

    Dr Jillian Tomlinson

    Hand Surgeon, Plastic Surgeon

    Dr Jill Tomlinson is a fully qualified plastic, reconstructive and hand surgeon. After graduating dux in her year at University High School, Jill completed medical … View Profile

    Thanks for your question!

    I recommend that you see a health care professional for an assessment as it's not possible to diagnose your condition over the internet. It may be that you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if you are noticing pins and needles, numbness or clumsiness of your left hand. This condition can come on during pregnancy and may resolve in the weeks and months after delivery. Often a wrist splint and activity modification provide good relief for pregnant women.

    For more information on carpal tunnel syndrome signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment please visit the Melbourne Hand Surgery website.

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