What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Most of us are familiar with the term Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In fact, studies show that over 4 million Canadians are in need of treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome each year.
CTS is a condition where nerve compression in the wrist causes, tingling, numbness in the hand, and in very severe cases, a person with CTS can have muscle weakness in the hand and loss of hand dexterity.
With that being said, CTS can be managed with the proper care. We are going to take a look an in-depth look at CTS from symptoms to treatment. Let’s get started!
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
The most common symptom is burning and achy pain along with numbness, tingling, and pins and needles in the hand- predominately in the outer three and a half fingers (thumb, index, middle, and ring finger).
Though it is not uncommon to have these symptoms on the entire hand. Repetitive/constant movements of the hand and wrist usually accentuate these symptoms.
It is also common to have these symptoms at night when you’re asleep. In severe cases, the continual compression can lead to wasting of muscles in the hand, and in turn, you lose hand dexterity- you start dropping things easily, lose grip strength. In the early stages- the symptoms usually get better with the cessation of activity, rest, or shaking of your hand.
How Does CTS Happen?
We have nerves in our arms starting in the neck traveling down the length of the arms. These nerves help us to contract our muscles as well as perceive pain, touch, and temperature sensations in the arm.
The median nerve is one such nerve in the hand that causes CTS. When the median nerve gets entrapped in the wrist (the anterior aspect of the wrist between the connective tissue and carpal bones) CTS can occur.
However, not all cases of tingling, numbness in the hand are CTS. A nerve can get compressed anywhere along its length and it is very common to get misdiagnosed for having CTS, so seeing a reputable physiotherapist is key to getting the right diagnosis and treatment.
Treatments For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Physiotherapists can help get the right diagnosis by conducting a thorough assessment. The assessment reveals where the nerve compression actually is, and from there treatment and exercises for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be assigned.
Various studies have shown that CTS when caught early, can be treated effectively with a conservative approach and surgery can be avoided. Physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments may involve:
Joint mobilizations
Soft tissue release techniques
Nerve flossing
Individualized upper arm mobility
Strengthening exercises
Acupuncture,
Dry needling,
Laser and Ultrasound
Activity modifications, appropriate load management, ergonomic changes at the workplace, etc. are some of the immediate measures that you can take to get manage symptoms. Keep in mind that before beginning any treatment, it is crucial that you work with a reputable physiotherapist to create the appropriate care plan.
Pro-Tip
Seeing a massage therapist will help the release of tight muscles of the arm and help assist with a quick recovery. Additionally, night splints and wrist braces have also shown to reduce the onset of symptoms and aid in recovery from CTS.
Taking Control of Your Health
If you think you might be suffering from CTS you are not alone! There are treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms available today! Our dedicated team is here to help you from diagnosis to recovery, so contact us today and get the relief you need!