Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a painful condition of the wrist and hand as a result of pressure on a nerve, which runs through the wrist.
Carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist which is surrounded by bones and ligaments of the wrist. Median nerve passes through the tunnel. Any changes in the muscles, tendons, joints around the region which irritates/compresses the Median nerve can cause CTS.
Carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist which is surrounded by bones and ligaments of the wrist. Median nerve passes through the tunnel. Any changes in the muscles, tendons, joints around the region which irritates/compresses the Median nerve can cause CTS.
Symptoms of CTS
Numbness, Pins and needles, Pain, particularly at night, Weakness in the hand (grip strength).
Causes of CTS
- Overuse – An inflammation in the tendons due to overuse, repetitive use, awkward postures of the hands can cause compression of the Median nerve in the carpal tunnel.
- Pregnancy – Pregnancy is associated with fluid retention in the bod, leading to increased joint capsule pressures, thereby, compressing the tunnel.
Self management of CTS
- Frequent breaks at work. An ice pack is a good way to provide pain relief
- Anti-inflammatories or pain medicines OTC help in symptom alleviation on a temporary basis.
- A wrist brace is of advantage as it can help in preventing bending of wrists at night in sleep and keep symptoms at bay (Your Physio can help you with the right brace for you depending on your symptoms).
How can Enrich Physio help
- Your physiotherapist can help with ergonomic advice about the wrist position at workplace and home to improve the symptoms and not affect work.
- Graded joint and nerve mobilisations to help with settling of inflammation/stiffness due to injury or arthritis in the wrist joint.
- Dry needling technique is effective in releasing the tension in the forearm and hand muscles, thereby ensuring the well being of the musculature in the region.
- Strapping techniques to offload the tunnel for symptomatic relief