27 Feb Need a Hand with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? We Share What it Is & How You Can Fix it

If you have symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and work on a computer, with your hands, or even just use your hands often (which is basically all of us!) then you know what a pain carpal tunnel syndrome can be! You can experience pain, numbness, tingling, and even weakness. Once you know what you’re dealing with, there are a variety of treatment options to deal with this irritating issue.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is:

The median nerve runs through a narrow passage known as the Carpal Tunnel; when this passage narrows due to inflammation, heredity, injury, etc., you may then experience symptoms which make up Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. 

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Numbness in the hand/fingers. (Usually not your little finger.) You may want to ‘shake out’ your hand upon waking up.

Tingling of the fingers (usually not your little finger).

Weakness in your fingers/grip (you may drop things).

Treatment:

While both men and women can experience CTS, more women than men tend to get it. Women typically have a naturally smaller wrist, with a smaller Carpal Tunnel, which can increase the odds of CTS. People who engage in repetitive activities or labor may also experience CTS. Hours of keyboard work, especially at an awkward angle may put undue stress on the wrist and lead to problems with the Carpal Tunnel. Factors like injury, inflammatory conditions, and other factors can cause CTS. Once symptoms begin, treatment options include:

Rest and anti-inflammatory treatment: Depending on your job/hobbies, you can try to take time off or rest your hands/wrist from what may be contributing to your symptoms. You can invest in an ergonomic keyboard or wrist-pad at your desk. You can also try icing your wrist periodically, or OTC anti-inflammatory medication.

Wrist brace: Some people report good luck with an OTC wrist wrap or brace that they can wear at night to prevent further symptoms. Others wear the brace day and night to help limit CTS symptoms.

Surgical intervention: If conservative methods fail, surgery may be considered. In CTS surgery, your surgeon will cut the ligament around the Carpal Tunnel, relieving pressure on the median nerve. Surgery is invasive, and may not completely resolve symptoms depending on median nerve condition.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can work to reduce nerve compression and stress. Your PT can show you stretches to do at home, and also show you how to work or enjoy your hobbies and limit your CTS symptoms. Physical therapy is non-invasive and can be a successful treatment option.

If you’re tired of your CTS or other musculoskeletal system problems, it’s time to call in the experts: Body One Physical Therapy. We’re locally-owned and operated, with three locations serving Central Indiana: North Indianapolis/Carmel. Fishers, and Zionsville. Don’t limit your life to living with pain, let the experts at Body One help get you feeling your best. Call today and find out how we can help you!

Sources: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/do-i-need-carpal-tunnel-surgery#1