Do you have wrist or hand pain, tingling, numbness or grip weakness?
You may be experiencing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition where the median nerve becomes irritated or compressed. The median nerve begins in the neck, travels under the armpit and into the hand passing through what we call the carpal tunnel. There are several risk factors for developing an increased pressure within the carpal tunnel as outlined within this article.
It can present as pain, numbness, tingling and/or a burning sensation in the hand region as marked above. In more severe cases of nerve compression there may be weakness of the hand or weak grip, loss of hand coordination and hand muscle wasting. Individuals may report an ache and discomfort in the forearm or the upper arm. Symptoms are often most troublesome at night, you may have a shock-like sensation radiating into the fingers, or begin dropping objects due to weakness or numbness.
Causes of increased pressure of the carpal tunnel:
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements or prolonged exposure to the end ranges of wrist movement.
- Working with tools that have high hand/arm vibrational forces.
- Wrist injuries/trauma: fractures or dislocations can cause bleeding and swelling.
- Pregnancy: temporary changes in hormones and fluid.
- Medical conditions: diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism can increase the risk of developing CTS.
- Obesity: can increase fluid retention and pressure on the median nerve.
Management of CTS:
At Wisdom Physiotherapy, we are able to assess the severity of your condition to provide you with the appropriate management advice to settle your pain, improve your hand function and target your individual rehab goals.
- Activity modifications: physiotherapists will identify any contributing behaviours or activities that may be increasing the pressure within the carpal tunnel.
- Exercise therapy: specific exercises will be determined within your initial session to target nerve sensitivity, improve wrist range of movement and reduce repetitive tasks that may contribute to your symptoms.
- Other modalities: if necessary, a splint or brace may be recommended by your physiotherapist to reduce unnecessary compression at the wrist joint. Conservative management is preferred, however your physiotherapist will work with you to determine if corticosteroid injections are recommended.
If you believe you may be experiencing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or need assistance with discomfort, weakness or pain within the wrist and hand, our physiotherapists will diagnose your condition and provide you with an individualised action plan to effectively manage your symptoms. Call our clinic on (08) 6389 2947 or click here to book online.
