Splinting for symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether splints are effective in decreasing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.


METHODS
Case series at a military hospital of 82 pregnant women who had symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (135 hands). The author compared the ratings of eight subjective symptoms (tingling, numbness, pain, weakness, wakes you up, drops things, swelling, and stiffness) and grip (Jamar) and pinch (two-point, three-jaw, and key) strengths at the time of referral and 1 week after splinting (polyform volar splint with the wrist in 10 to 15 degrees of extension). Forty-eight women (82 hands) returned 1 month postpartum for reassessment. Grip and pinch strengths of an additional 26 women who had not had problems with their hands during pregnancy were measured 1 month postpartum.


RESULTS
One week after splinting, there was an average increase of 5.4 pounds in grip strength and over 1 pound in each type of pinch strength (p < 0.0001). There was a decrease in each of the eight symptoms (range, -0.9 to -1.6; scale of 5). At 1 month postpartum, symptoms had resolved completely for 76% of the subjects (weakness had resolved for 76% and wakes you up for 93%). Strength was improved, but was not normal. However, the women who had not had hand problems during pregnancy did have normal strengths.


CONCLUSIONS
Splinting is a noninvasive method for helping to decrease the uncomfortable symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.
Courts
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Occupational Therapy Clinic, Darnall Army Community Hospital, Fort Hood, Texas, USA.
D000328:Adult; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D013165:Splints