Pregnancy Health Information Organization

Edema, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and Leg Cramps

Edema, or mild swelling, of the ankles or hands often occurs on pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by swelling of the hands restricting nerves in the wrist. Leg cramps, or "restless legs" are often experienced by pregnant women, and are usually indicate mineral deficiency. Symptoms of edema are swollen ankles or hands, symptoms of carpal tunnel are numb, tingling or painful fingers, often worse at night and symptoms of leg cramps are cramping or unpleasant prickling feeling in legs.

Key tips on coping with Edema, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and Leg Cramps

- Rest with legs elevated for 20 minutes, 3-4 times a day to reduce ankle swelling
- Use pillows to elevate hands and arms when you rest to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome
- Stand on the ground and curl up your toes to relieve leg cramps

Diet and Nutrition

- Avoid refined forms of table salt and use natural sea salt or rock salt
- Drink plenty of water

- Edema
Eat onions and garlic to promote circulation
Eat celery, asparagus, artichokes, grapes, black currents and parsley to promote diuresis

- Carpal Tunnel
B vitamins are good for the nerves

- Leg Cramps
Ensure you have enough calcium and magnesium in diet

Complementary Treatments

Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

Edema

Spleen Yang deficiency
- Symptoms - edema early in the pregnancy, swelling of face or whole body, yellowish and shiny skin, a feeling of oppression of the chest, breathlessness, tiredness, loose stools, cold limbs. Tongue: pale, wet. Pulse: weak

Kidney Yang deficiency
- Symptoms - edema early in the pregnancy, worse in the ankles, breathlessness, cold legs, backache. Tongue: pale and wet. Pulse: weak, deep

Qi stagnation
- Symptoms - edema beginning towards the 4th month of pregnancy, first in the feet, no pitting, abdominal distention, irritability. Tongue: slightly red on the sides. Pulse: wiry

Leg Pain

Blood deficiency
- Symptoms: the foot or lower leg may have cramps and pain, may radiate up to upper leg or buttock, walking may become difficult, worse at night or during sleeping Tongue: pale body, thin coating Pulse: fine

Massage

Homeopathy
- For carpal tunnel syndrome with tingling sensation and numbness in the fingers that is better with warmth, Arsen, alb. 6c
- Fro cramps that occur when stretching the legs in bed and that are worse at night, Calc. carb. 6c

Western Herbalism
- Apply cabbage leaf poultices to the affected areas to reduce edema
- Nettle and dandelion tea have diuretic effects and stimulate the kidneys to process more fluid.

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The information on this website is compiled and written by;

Vancouver Pregnancy & labour (labor) Acupuncturist

Raeghan Siemens, R.Ac., DTCM
Raeghan Siemens has always had an interest in medicine;
but she found her true passion in Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture.
Her special interests are treating Pregnancy related issues and aiding women through labour (labor).

Raeghan practices at Acubalance Wellness Centre Ltd. in Vancouver BC Canada.

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