What Is Carpal Tunnel?

Millions of people are impacted by the negative effects of carpal tunnel syndrome each year. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness, clumsiness and weakness. These symptoms make the important things in our lives such as work and leisure activities very difficult. Whether carpal tunnel syndrome is impacting your work or leisure it can be managed effectively.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is usually caused by the constriction of the median nerve of the hand at the base of the palm. The median nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the palmar surface of the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger. The constriction of this nerve is what causes the pain and numbness associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

The most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are:

• Static positioning of the wrist without stretching 
• Poor office and computer station set-ups (ergonomics)
• Repetitive use without rest and stretching
• Poor sleeping postures
• Pregnancy

Common treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:

• Splinting in a neutral position to decompress carpal tunnel area and increase blood flow
• Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs and/or Cortisone injection) as prescribed by your physician
• Home exercises, including nerve gliding exercises, as instructed by a Certified Hand Therapist
• Ergonomic evaluation and consultation
• Various modalities including, but not limited to heat, paraffin, ultrasound and iontophoresis
• Gentle strengthening exercises

If you begin to experience carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, it's important you address it early by scheduling an appointment with your physician. Delayed treatment can lead to chronic carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle wasting and hand debilitation.

Please feel free to contact us @ 770-475-7272 if you have further questions about carpal tunnel syndrome.