Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you have been noticing recently that you’re losing the ability to grip objects, or you feel a shock-like sensation, burning, tingling, or numbness in your wrist and arm, the best time to seek help is right now.
Those are some of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, and if left untreated, it gets worse and causes more damage.
You don’t have to take harmful painkiller medications or get surgery yet, physical therapy is effective for treating carpal tunnel syndrome at no risk to you.
Contact a physical therapist at Polygon PT to get started.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed. It usually causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand.
The median nerve is found in the palm area of your hand (the carpal tunnel). It gives sensitivity and movement to your thumb and other fingers except for the little finger.
The carpal tunnel is surrounded by ligaments and bones, which makes it narrow, and makes the median nerve that runs through it prone to compression.
Cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Oftentimes, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a combination of factors. You may not even know what triggered the nerve compression. Studies show that it is more common in the elderly and women.
However, some of the common causes are:
Repetitive use of the hand and wrist for activities such as typing
Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity
Retention of fluid from pregnancy or menopause
Wrist fracture
Another very important risk factories hereditary. Some persons are bone with a much narrower carpal tunnel. This tightens the space the nerve passes through.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that may be experienced includes:
- Pain, tingling, burning, or numbness in your palm, thumb, index, or middle finger
- Shock-line sensations that move to your fingers
- Arm weakness and inability to grip objects
- Tingling that may move towards your arm
- Clumsiness due to loss of the ability to hold things
Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome begin very mildly. Symptoms may even come and go. As it worsens, however, the symptoms become more severe, coming back frequently, or lasting for longer periods.
At night, you may also notice that your fingers ‘fall asleep’. This is because most persons sleep with their wrist bent.
During the day, you may notice symptoms when you hold objects for long with the wrist bent backward or forward such as pressing a phone or driving.
At the onset of your symptoms, shaking or moving your hands will make the pain go away. But over time, it won’t work anymore.
Carpal Tunnel Tunnel Syndrome
At Polygon PT, a therapist will tap the palm side of your wrist, or ask you to fully flex your wrist while your arm is extended. We also partner with your doctor for other tests, which includes
- Nerve conduction test to measure the signal in the nerves of your hand
- Electromyogram. Where your doctors put a thin electrode in your muscle to measure its electrical activity
- Imaging such as Xray or MRI-scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or ultrasound
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Although the symptoms are mild in the beginning, if left untreated, they can worsen and cause further damage. Early treatment is vital to slow or stop the condition.
Here at Polygon, we create treatment plans that are specific to individual conditions. Your physical therapist would prescribe that you take a break from activities that causes the symptoms.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis
At Polygon PT, a therapist will tap the palm side of your wrist, or ask you to fully flex your wrist while your arm is extended. We also partner with your doctor for other tests, which includes
- Nerve conduction test to measure the signal in the nerves of your hand
- Electromyogram. Where your doctors put a thin electrode in your muscle to measure its electrical activity
- Imaging such as Xray or MRI-scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or ultrasound
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Although the symptoms are mild in the beginning, if left untreated, they can worsen and cause further damage. Early treatment is vital to slow or stop the condition.
Here at Polygon, we create treatment plans that are specific to individual conditions. Your physical therapist would prescribe that you take a break from activities that causes the symptoms.
You may also be required to wear a splint or brace to keep your hand in place while you sleep. Ice may be applied to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling.
Nerve gliding exercise will also be performed by your therapist to enable free movement of the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel.
Physical Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Most of our patients have treated carpal tunnel syndrome using just physical therapy and eliminated the need for surgery. They are back to their everyday activities pain-free and with information on how to conduct their activities and prevent future symptoms.
We are excited to help you achieve similar results too. Request an appointment with one of our physical therapists today.
