Carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful condition that causes numbness or “pins and needles” in the fingers and wrist, typically results when the median nerve, running from the forearm through the narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones (the carpal tunnel) into the palm of the hand, becomes squeezed at the wrist. The prevalence of computer technology, typing and repetitive manual labor makes the incidence of this condition likely to increase.
Conditions that cause carpal tunnel syndrome include hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes; pregnancy; obesity; repeated hand movements; wrist injuries and bone spurs; and smoking, which reduces blood flow to the median nerve. Physical therapy can often make surgery unnecessary. We may make the following recommendations:
- One of the most basic treatment options is a change in posture to avoid keeping your wrists bent unnecessarily.
- Improving your overall body posture will help keep your hands and wrists properly aligned.
- Taking regular “stretch breaks” during your daily routine will keep your joints mobile.
- Sleeping with a wrist splint can help to reduce symptoms while training your wrist muscles to align properly.
- Icing your wrist for 10 to 15 minutes frequently, and taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (if your physician approves) will relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Gliding exercises,whichmove your digits in specific patterns, and deep tissue pressure, which helps stretch tissues, will then allow you to perform specific exercises.
In some cases, lifestyle changes and exercises on your own will not lead to the desired results, and surgery may be the best solution. Before you undertake a treatment plan, be sure you have the best information and guidance possible. Therapy is the first step to help alleviate the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome in your wrist and hand.