What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common neurological condition that occurs when the ‘median’ nerve, is compressed at the wrist. This nerve and various other tendons pass through a narrow, rigid passageway of bones and ligaments at the base of the hand, which is called the ‘carpal tunnel’. Sometimes thickened tissues or swelling can narrow this tunnel, and compresses the median nerve.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Some, or all of the following symptoms may be described:
- Gradual onset
- Begins with tingling/numbness in the fingers
- Swollen fingers especially the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Often in one hand, but can occur in both hands
- Symptoms during the night
- As it worsens, tingling during the day, especially with certain activities such as talking on the phone, holding a cup or driving
- Sometime severe pain
- Some loss of movement
- Weakness in the hand.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a combination of factors. Often women and older individuals are more likely to develop the condition. Other risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome can be:
● Genetics
● Repetitive hand use
● Hand and wrist position - doing activities that involve extreme flexion or extension (bending) of the hand and wrist for a prolonged period of time can increase pressure on the nerve
● Pregnancy - hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause swelling that causes in pressure on the nerve
● Health conditions - such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid issues
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis of CTS
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid permanent damage to the median nerve.
● Physical exam - Here at Keilor Health Centre we will check your wrist for tenderness, warmth, swelling and discoloration. The fingers are tested for sensation, as well as the muscles at the base of the hand for strength
● Diagnostic imaging also can assist in the diagnosis of CTS
Treating CTS
There are a number of recommended, effective non-surgical treatments that can help with CTS:
● Splinting - worn overnight
● Avoiding aggravating activities
● Non-prescription medication - anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen may provide some short-term relief from discomfort
● Prescription medication - corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone) or lidocaine can relieve pressure on the median nerve
● Exercise
● See your Osteopath to have a proper examination and diagnosis of the problem. The correct condition and cause must be determined in order to treat the condition correctly
Surgical treatment is only recommended once all non-surgical treatments have been ineffective or if the condition has become severe.
How can lifestyle changes support a treatment plan for carpal tunnel syndrome?
- At night, keeping the wrist straight while sleeping helps to prevent further compression on the nerve and carpal tunnel.
- Tasks at home or work, as well as workstations, tools, and handles, can be redesigned to help foster a natural wrist position during work.
- Wearing fingerless gloves can help keep hands flexible and warm. At work individuals can undergo tailored conditioning, stretching exercises, taking sufficient rest breaks, using correct posture and wrist position.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common and often debilitating condition and Osteopathy can help! Here at KHC we would love to help relieve your pain through providing hands-on treatment. Book below for an appointment today:
For more information check out these helpful sources:
Padua, L., Coraci, D., Erra, C., Pazzaglia, C., Paolasso, I., Loreti, C., Caliandro, P., & Hobson-Webb, L. D. (2016). Carpal tunnel syndrome: Clinical features, diagnosis, and Management. The Lancet Neurology, 15(12), 1273–1284. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1474-4422(16)30231-9
Uchiyama, S., Itsubo, T., Nakamura, K., Kato, H., Yasutomi, T., & Momose, T. (2010). Current concepts of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pathophysiology, treatment, and evaluation. Journal of Orthopaedic Science, 15(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-009-1416-x