Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition many people experience, especially those who spend a lot of time typing on a keyboard, playing video games, or doing repetitive hand movements.
If you have ever felt pain, numbness, or tingling in your hands and wrists, you might have CTS. Thankfully, there are several ways to take care of it and even stop it from happening.
This blog will help you understand CTS and the best approaches to restore hand health.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Your wrist has a small tunnel called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel comprises bones and ligaments that serve as a passageway for nerves and tendons to move your fingers. When the nerve that runs through this tunnel (called the median nerve) gets squeezed or compressed, you develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Common symptoms include:
- Numbness or Tingling: Primarily in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger.
- Pain: In the hand or wrist, which can sometimes extend up to the arm.
- Weakness: You may find it hard to grip objects or perform tasks that require fine motor skills.
Why Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Happen?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur due to several reasons:
- Repetitive Motion: Activities like typing, sewing, or playing musical instruments can put stress on the wrist.
- Injury: A fracture or sprain can narrow the carpal tunnel space.
- Health Conditions: Diabetes, arthritis, and thyroid problems can increase the risk.
- Fluid Retention: Conditions like pregnancy or menopause can cause fluid buildup, which puts pressure on the median nerve.
Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you think you might have carpal tunnel syndrome, you should see an orthopedic doctor who is experienced in treating hand issues. The doctor will usually:
- Ask about your symptoms and medical history.
- Perform a physical exam on your hand and wrist.
- Conduct tests like nerve conduction studies or an electromyogram (EMG) to measure how well your median nerve works.
Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are several ways to manage and treat carpal tunnel syndrome, from simple lifestyle changes to medical treatments.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
- Rest Your Hands: Take breaks from activities that strain your wrists.
- Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
- Hand Positioning: Avoid bending your wrists too much; try to keep them in a neutral position.
- Wrist Splints: Wearing a wrist splint can keep your wrist in the correct position, especially while you sleep.
Exercises
Certain exercises can help relieve the symptoms:
- Wrist Flexor Stretch: Hold your arm straight with your palm facing up. Use your other hand to bend your wrist downward gently. Hold in wrist bend position for 15-30 seconds, and repeat 2-4 times.
- Tendon Gliding Exercise: Hold your hand up with your fingers straight. Gently curl your fingers into a fist and then straighten them again. Repeat this tendon gliding exercise 5-10 times.
Medical Treatments
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections can significantly reduce CTS inflammation and pain.
- Physical Therapy: A therapist can teach you exercises and techniques to improve your wrist’s function.
- Ultrasound Therapy: High-frequency sound waves can help reduce symptoms.
Surgical Options
If other treatments don’t work, surgery might be necessary. The most common surgical procedure is carpal tunnel release. The surgeon cuts the ligament pressing on the median nerve to enlarge the carpal tunnel and relieve pressure on the nerve.
Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
To prevent carpal tunnel syndrome or keep it from getting worse, you can:
- Maintain Good Posture: Keep your wrists straight while using the computer or doing other repetitive tasks.
- Use Proper Equipment: Ergonomic keyboards, mouse pads, and tools can reduce strain on your wrists.
- Exercise Regularly: Strengthening and stretching exercises can make your wrists more flexible and resilient.
- Stay Healthy: Managing underlying health conditions like diabetes and maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Naples, FL
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and frustrating problem, but there are ways to manage it and make your hands feel better. If you know what causes carpal tunnel syndrome and do the right things to treat and prevent it, you can keep your hands healthy.
If you have signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, consult our orthopedic doctor at the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida, for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Our doctor will carefully evaluate your symptoms and health to develop a personalized plan to help your hands feel better.
To learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (239) 261-2663 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
