What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The term ‘Carpal Tunnel’ refers to the space in the wrist bones where muscles, blood vessels and nerves pass from the forearm to the hand. The term ‘Syndrome’ refers to a cluster of signs and symptoms that when grouped together can characterise a condition. Together they make Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), this painful condition occurs when one the nerve (median nerve) gets compressed by the structures inside the wrist.
CTS does not discriminate, it can affect everyone despite their fitness level. CTS begins with overuse of the wrist which leads to reduction of blood flow. Overtime swelling starts to develop inside the wrist which can cause compression on the median nerve. This is common with office workers where they use their hands to drive the mouse and type on the keyboard for their job. The repetitive movement can lead to this overuse injury. This also means that people who use their hands a lot in their job such as tradies are also susceptible to this condition.
How do I know if I have it?
People with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience the following:
- Loss of sensation and numbness around the thumb, index and middle finger.
- Muscle waste at the palms of the hand
- Pain when moving the wrist up and down motion
- Reduced grip strength
If you experience these symptoms, it is important to see your local GP or physiotherapist to get an accurate diagnosis. They will perform specific assessments that involve placing your hand in certain position to determine if the median nerve is involved in your wrist pain. Ultrasound imagery can be used to confirm the diagnosis. It is usually the cheapest and fastest way to determine the severity of your wrist injury.
What can I do about it?
Physiotherapist can offer a range of treatments to help alleviate your wrist pain and free up the structures in the wrist. Treatment often involves wearing a wrist splint to protect the wrist from further aggravating the nerve. Grip and hand strengthening exercises will be prescribed to increase muscles strength to support the wrist. Early treatment is essential for optimal outcome of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are someone who experience wrist pain, physiotherapy can fix it!
Book an appointment with one of our expert physiotherapist today to get an individualised assessment and treatment of your wrist pain. We are also available on Instagram, give us a follow for physiotherapy tips on exercises that can help rehabilitate that wrist pain.