Fingers going numb? Dropping things? Feeling weak?…..Have you considered that you may have Carpal tunnel?
What is carpal tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that affects the hand and wrist causing a range of symptoms including pain, weakness, numbness and often pins and needle sensations in the thumb, index, middle and the radial side of the ring finger. These symptoms occur when the median nerve is compressed or injured at the level of the carpal tunnel.
The Median nerve originates at the neck, travels through the axilla at the brachial plexus, descends through the forearm then enters the hand through the carpal tunnel at the wrist level. The carpal tunnel is a narrow space in which accommodates the Median nerve, all the flexor tendons to the fingers and the small lumbrical muscles. As the fingers bend to achieve a fist position, the flexor tendons and lumbrical muscles are dragged into the carpal tunnel which can also place further compression on the median nerve subsequently causing the above mentioned symptoms.
What causes CTS?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be caused by a number of factors including;
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements including activities and tasks requiring strong and or sustained gripping.
- Hormonal changes occurring in pregnancy may lead to swelling and or fluid retention which can lead to compression to the median nerve at the carpal tunnel level.
- Injury and or trauma to the wrist including fractures can result in increased swelling and compression to the Median nerve.
How is Carpal Tunnel diagnosed and treated?
Should you think your symptoms are characteristic of CTS it is recommended to make an appointment to see a hand therapist who may assess your symptoms and recommend if any further testing is necessary.
Your hand therapist will be prescribed an appropriate wrist support and or fabricate a custom made thermoplastic orthosis which aims to reduce compression to the Median nerve at the carpal tunnel. Education on any necessary activity modification required to prevent sustained and strong gripping and poor wrist positioning during the day and night will be outlined with an individually tailored home exercise program to promote nerve gliding, maintenance of joint active range of motion and strengthening.
Should your therapist deems your symptoms to be severe, they may recommend you see Hand surgeon for a surgical opinion. We look forward to meeting you and helping you on your road to recovery.