Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Treatment and Prevention
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a hand and arm condition characterized by numbness, pain and a tingling sensation caused by the compression of median nerve, a narrow passageway on the palm side of the wrist. The condition usually affects the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Generally, the tingling sensation and other associated symptoms of CTS develop slowly and become worse during the night. Reliable healthcare centers in Brooklyn offer effective pain management solutions for CTS. CTS can occur in both men and women. The pain symptoms can range from mild to severe and differ from person to person. As the intensity of the pain increases, it often becomes difficult for a person even to hold an object or perform routine manual tasks. Common CTS symptoms include –
Numbness or tingling sensation in the hand or fingers Swollen feeling in the fingers Pain in the wrist, palm or forearm Pain and/or numbness that gets worse at night or interrupts sleep Dryness of the skin in the fingers Difficulty gripping objects with the hands or dropping objects What Causes CTS? Most cases of CTS are caused by a combination of several factors, which put excessive pressure on the nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel. The median nerve that runs from forearm through a passageway in the wrist provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers. Therefore, anything that irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space can cause CTS. Common risk factors include nerve-damaging conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, repetitive hand use, obesity, injuries, genetics, and anatomic factors (wrist fracture or dislocation).
Diagnosing CTS and Treatment Options In majority of patients, the symptoms get worse over time. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment is crucial. CTS is diagnosed by conducting a physical examination and performing several tests like electrodiagnostic tests (nerve conduction studies), MRI scan (Magnetic resonance imaging), electromyogram and X-ray. The main treatment approaches for CTS in a professional Brooklyn healthcare center are –
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – Using a low-voltage electric stimulation that interacts with the sensory nervous system to treat pain.
Physical Therapy (PT) – PT helps strengthen and improve the flexibility of muscles and joints. Physical therapy exercise programs include gentle stretching and strengthening exercises that help to improve normal function and movement of joints. www.hqbk.com
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Ice and Heat application – This approach provides short term relief for pain and muscle stiffness. Ice packs lower inflammation whereas heat packs promote muscle relaxation.
Pain management injections – Carpal tunnel steroid injections can lessen short-term symptoms. Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Though there are no proven methods to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, certain strategies can minimize the incidence of this syndrome. Take regular breaks – Give your hands and wrists breaks from time to time. Set a reminder to take break every hour during work – a 5-10 minutes break would be ideal. Stretch and bend your wrists and hands for a few minutes, both backwards and forwards. Also, bend and flex your fingers. Minimize repetitive hand movements – Try to reduce repetitive hand movements by alternating between tasks for activities in order to lower strain on hands and wrists. Don’t spend all your time on the keyboard. Break up the time by making phone calls or organizing files. Watch your posture – Incorrect body posture rolls your shoulders forward, shortening your neck and shoulder muscles and compressing nerves in your neck. This can make your wrist problems worse. Keep your hands warm – CTS patients are more likely to develop hand pain and stiffness, if they are working in a cold environment. Wear fingerless gloves that keep your hands and wrists warm. Watch your form – When performing repetitive actions, avoid bending your wrist all the way up or down. A relaxed middle position is best. Reduce your force and relax your grip if you are holding something. For instance, some occupations like cashiers or workers using a keyboard continuously involve repetitive hand movements associated with CTS. Always keep keyboard at elbow height or slightly lower to reduce stress on wrist or hand. Hand and wrist exercises – Hand stretching exercises help strengthen the muscles in your wrists and hands. Doing stretching exercises for at least 5 minutes per day could make a difference. Use a wrist splint – A wrist splint helps to keep your wrist in a neutral position thereby reducing the stress. An ideal time to wear a wrist splint would be at night, as one cannot control the position and movement of wrist during that time. In addition, the brace will make sure that the wrist is not bent too forward or backward.
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