Management of “De Novo” Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common entrapment neuropathy that can occur in the upper limbs during pregnancy. However, it is often undervalued and underdiagnosed because the symptoms can be mistaken for regular changes during pregnancy. Delay or absence of diagnosis and treatment can lead to permanent nerve damage, which can affect a woman’s quality of life during and after pregnancy. Although the treatment protocols are well established for carpal tunnel syndrome in patients from the general population, there is a different situation among pregnant and postpartum women that requires a preventive and personalized approach to manage this pathology. Unfortunately, the range of available treatment options is limited due to the pregnant woman’s physiological status and influenced by the high possibility of the complete resolution of this pathology in the postpartum period without any treatment. To limit the possibility of unfavorable evolution of this syndrome during pregnancy, an early diagnosis and personalized approach are mandatory in each case involving a multidisciplinary team of general practitioners, obstetricians, hand surgeons, rehabilitation physicians, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.