There’s Light At The End Of The Carpal Tunnel!

Is constant hand pain getting on your nerves? Do you experience numbness, radiating pain and pins and needles, especially after repetitive use of your hands?

If this sounds familiar, you could be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

So what is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is the name given to the space in your wrist which houses the tendons and nerves responsible for movement and sensation in your fingers. When the tendons in the hand become inflamed they take up more space in the carpal tunnel. This then reduces the room for the median nerve which occupies the same area.

Put under pressure from the swollen tendons, the median nerve becomes squeezed and eventually injured, resulting in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This syndrome is characterised by shooting pains, numbness and tingling in the hand and wrist. It is responsible for clumsiness and a weakened capacity to grasp small objects, along with painful movement and reduced use of the hand.

How do we develop Carpal Tunnel?

How you use your hands everyday can have a big impact on the development of the condition. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is linked to occupations requiring specific repetitive hand actions. These include hairdressers, cashiers, assembly line workers and bakers. In the home setting, tasks like typing, hand-weeding, knitting and even the prolonged use of vibrating hand-held power tools are shown to cause inflammation of the carpal tunnel.

Bad luck ladies!

Although anybody can suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is three times as likely to occur in women aged between 40 and 60 years. People with certain types of arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis, are also at risk, along with pregnant women suffering from fluid retention.

I think I’ve got Carpal Tunnel Syndrome…what next?

If you have been experiencing the symptoms of this condition, thankfully there’s light at the end of the tunnel! Physiotherapists offer a range of non-invasive treatment options that can relieve the tingling and numbness caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Ultimately the goal being to end the pain and restore movement and strength to your fingers and hands.

Your physiotherapist will assess and identify the primary triggers of your condition. Then tailor a range of treatments to tackle YOUR specific problem. These may include:

• Ergonomic advice and postural education.
• Splinting of the wrist.
• Tendon and nerve glide exercises.
• Swelling management.
• Functional strengthening program.
• Referral for steroid injection or surgical review.

If you have moderate to severe symptoms in your wrist and hand it is possible that your physiotherapist will refer you on for a surgical opinion.

What can I do to help myself?

• Make sure to avoid any positions, postures or movements that make your symptoms worse. Particularly repetitive tasks in poor wrist positions.
• Try wearing a splint that holds the wrist in a neutral or slightly forward bent position at night. This is usually effective in reducing symptoms. A splint worn during the day may reduce your symptoms and provide the wrist with some support.
• Warning – avoid a splint that will hold your wrist back, this is the case for most store-bought splints. This wrist position may increase your symptoms.
• If hand swelling is a factor in your symptoms try to reduce it by elevating the hand and wrist. Also, try applying some gentle effleurage to the area.
• If your physiotherapist has given you exercises – follow them! They will be essential in making a full recovery and regaining normal function in your hand and wrist.

Final word….

If you think you may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it’s important to seek help early. This will give you a better chance to heal with conservative management and avoid surgery. Contact your physiotherapist now!