Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a disease of the peripheral nervous system that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, is pressed or trapped inside the carpal tunnel at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations in the front part of the fingers (except for the little finger), as well as impulses from some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)?

The symptoms may be pain, weakness, or numbness of the hand and wrist, radiating down the entire arm. Although pain sensations may indicate other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common and widely known compression neuropathies in which the peripheral nerves of the body are compressed or traumatized.

What is the relationship between CTS and maternity?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can sometimes occur during pregnancy or after childbirth, although it can occur in other situations unrelated to childbearing. CTS associated with pregnancy is thought to be related to swelling and edema of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. It usually disappears completely within a few months of developing it.

What about breastfeeding?

During breastfeeding, it can also appear, and although some people relate it to hormonal issues, CTS also appears in non-breastfeeding women during the postpartum period.

CTS in breastfeeding mothers may be more related to repetitive movements of the wrist that we make when we place the baby to breastfeed.

Certainly, CTS also appears in other professions that perform repetitive movements in this area: waiters, people who work with computers and use the mouse, cashiers, carpenters, assembly line workers in factories and packers, violinists, and other musicians, gardeners, seamstresses and embroiderers, cooks, and mechanics. Surely, for none of them, a doctor would make them quit their jobs. What they would try to do is find a solution and a treatment that helps to solve the CTS.

Sometimes, breastfeeding may seem like something you can just give up, but if that’s not your choice, it’s important to find a feasible solution for you.

What can help if I have CTS?

Let’s take a look at possible solutions to continue breastfeeding and not suffer pain:

• Pay attention to breastfeeding posture: breastfeeding pillows can be a great help to free the hands and avoid twisting the wrist.
• Laid-back breastfeeding postures that free the hands can also help to improve: find more information here or here.
• There are wrist straps that help you keep your wrist in the correct position and avoid bad postures at night.

What treatment is recommended for carpal tunnel syndrome?

The recommended treatment, whether you are a nursing mother or not, is:

• Alternate applying cold and heat to reduce the inflammation.
• Medication: anti-inflammatory drugs (compatible with breastfeeding) and diuretics.
• Exercises and stretching
• Yoga
• Acupuncture
• Electrical stimulation
• Swimming
• Vitamin B6 (increase the amount but do not exceed 25-40 mg daily during breastfeeding)

Without a doubt, breastfeeding and parenting require hours of care work and repetitive movements, but it is important to find resources that help you feel better.