Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

By Steve Horvath
Photography (c) Steve Horvath for ISM Rehab

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a very common and potentially disabling disorder, typically identified by numbness, weakness, tingling, burning or aching pain in the fingers and wrist. This condition occurs when one of the major nerves in your hand - the median nerve - is squeezed or compressed.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Most cases of CTS result from a combination of different factors. Studies show that women and people over the age of 45 are more likely to develop the condition.
Some other factors include:

Repetitive or forceful hand or wrist use: prolonged period of typing on a computer keyboard, knitting and the use of vibrating power tools
Obesity
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Diabetes
Prior wrist injuries

What is treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

If diagnosed and treated early, the symptoms of CTS can often be relieved without surgery. Nonsurgical treatments may include:

Maintaining proper ergonomics - setup your workstation to help maintain good posture, continually switch hands and change positions when you are doing repeated motions and most importantly remember to take breaks and rest your hand.
Bracing or splinting - wearing a splint or brace will help keep your wrist in a straight or neutral position, which reduces pressure on the nerve in the carpal tunnel.
Exercises - done to help restore strength and flexibility in the hand or wrist. Exercises such as wrist flexion, extension along with many others are recommended by Therapists.

How can Physiotherapy help?

Here are a few examples of exercises that can be done to help reduce the effects of CTS.

Stretching

EXERCISE 1:

WRIST FLEXION
Instructions:

Extend one arm out in front with the elbow straight.
Use the other hand to grasp it at the side of the thumb and bend the wrist downward.
Turn wrist towards the small finger to increase the stretch.
Repeat.

EXERCISE 2:

WRIST EXTENSION
Instructions:

Sit in a chair placed next to a table.
Place your forearm on the table while letting your hand dangle off the edge of the table.
Lift the back of your hand upwards while assisting with your other hand.
Repeat.

EXERCISE 3:

THE SHAKE

Instructions:

This is as straightforward as it sounds: shake your hands like you’ve just washed them and are trying to air dry them.
Do this for a minute or two every hour to keep flexor muscles of your hands and its median nerve from getting cramped and tight during the day

What other treatment options are available to me?

A rest period to relieve pain may involve modifying work duties, use of ice, or using a night splint

When should I seek further help?

If you have prolonged pain of greater than 6 weeks seek guidance from your physician. If you notice that the painful area is becoming red, swollen, or feels hot seek guidance from your physician.

References

Funk, Isaac. (2017). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://eds-b-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.mohawkcollege.ca/eds/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=273417fc-d023-4e8e-877f-042a3704b958%40sessionmgr103&bdata=JkF1dGhUeXBlPWlwLGNwaWQmY3VzdGlkPW1vaGF3ayZzaXRlPWVkcy1saXZlJnNjb3BlPXNpdGU%3d#db=funk&AN=CA051650
Orthoinfo. (July, 2016). Carpal tunnel syndrome. Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/
Physiotech. (2017). Exercises .Retrieved from https://hep.physiotec.ca/exercises.php?PHPSESSID=011jg3v2h7btp72filg3915h6gnn6l4s

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carpal tunnel syndrome!

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email [email protected] or call 905-333-5100 ext 4.