How to treat Carpal tunnel Syndrom
What Is Carpal Tunnel ?
It is a common neurological disorder that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist
Carpal Tunnel Symptoms:
Mild to severe pain, sometimes worse at night in hands and wrist
Numbness
A feeling that the fingers are useless or swollen
A tingling sensation or pain in the fingers.
Weakness in hand and wrist
Tingling during the day, especially with certain activities such as talking on the phone, reading a book or newspaper, or driving
Carpal Tunnel Causes:
Trauma or injury to the wrist that cause swelling, such as sprain or fracture
Imbalance of either the pituitary gland or the thyroid gland
Rheumatoid arthritis or other arthritic diseases
Mechanical problems in the wrist joint
Repeated use of vibrating hand tools
Fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause
Having diabetes or other metabolic disorders that directly affect the body's nerves and make them more susceptible to compression
Increasing age—CTS usually occurs only in adults.
Initial Treatment Steps:
Rest and Immobilization:
Rest: Avoid activities that may exacerbate the symptoms.
Splinting: Wearing a wrist splint at night can help relieve the nighttime symptoms of tingling and numbness.
Modification of Activities:
Reducing or stopping any activities that cause or worsen the symptoms.
Medications:
NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) can help reduce pain and swelling.
Corticosteroids: A corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel may relieve symptoms by reducing inflammation and swelling.
Advanced Treatment Options:
Physical Therapy: Physical therapists can provide exercises that help to strengthen the hand and wrist, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the nerve.
Ultrasound Therapy: This technique uses high-frequency sound waves to help reduce pain and swelling.
Soft Tissue Massage: Release trigger points and knots, and reduce muscle tightness.
Assisted Stretching: Help improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and reduce muscle tension.
Surgical Treatments:
If symptoms are severe or do not improve with non-surgical treatments, surgery might be considered. The main types of surgery for CTS include:
Open Carpal Tunnel Release: A surgical procedure that cuts the band of tissue around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: This minimally invasive surgery uses a telescope-like device with a tiny camera attached to it to see inside the carpal tunnel and cut the carpal ligament through much smaller incisions.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies:
Ergonomic Adjustments: Use correct posture and wrist position. Ergonomic keyboards, mouse pads, and other devices can help relieve pressure.
Hand and Wrist Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve symptoms significantly if done regularly.
Cold Packs: Applying cold packs to reduce swelling can also alleviate pain.
Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Take Breaks: Regular breaks from continuous use of your hands can prevent the onset of symptoms.
Maintain Neutral Wrist Position: Avoid bending your wrist all the way up or down.
Workplace Ergonomics: Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically set up to maintain proper posture and wrist position.
Wrap-Up:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated. However, with the right combination of treatments, symptoms can be managed effectively. It's important to start treatment early and follow through with strategies that alleviate pressure on the median nerve to improve hand function and reduce discomfort.
FAQs:
Q: How long does it take to recover from carpal tunnel surgery? A: Recovery time varies, but many patients start to feel relief from symptoms within a few weeks, with complete recovery taking several months.
Q: Can carpal tunnel syndrome come back after surgery? A: While surgery is successful in most cases, CTS can recur, especially if you do not change the activities that caused it initially.
Q: Are there any non-surgical ways to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome? A: Yes, non-surgical methods include wrist splinting, medications, ergonomic workplace adjustments, and physical therapy.
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us near Essex Rd in Angel Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!