What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. This compression can cause pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and fingers.

What is the main cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel syndrome is often caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements such as typing or using a computer mouse for long periods of time. Other factors that can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome include wrist injuries, certain medical conditions such as diabetes or arthritis and hormonal changes during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel syndrome symptoms usually start gradually and include:

• Tingling or numbness: usually in the thumb and index, middle or ring but not the little finger. You might feel an electric shock in these fingers.
• Weakness: You may experience weakness in the hand and drop items. This may be due to numbness or weakness of the thumbs pinching muscles, which are also controlled by the median nerve.
• Interrupted sleep due to waking from hand numbness or tingling

Types of Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome may include:

• wrist splints
• medication
• hand therapy
• surgery

Rehabilitation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Hand therapy can be prescribed for both conservative treatment and post operation treatment to help decrease symptoms and regain motion, strength, and function.

Common treatment techniques that will be provided are:

• Range of motion exercises
• Massage
• Nerve Glides
• Wrist splinting
• Strengthening
• Ergonomic training

It is important to seek care from a Certified Hand Therapist or an Occupational therapist that specializes in hand to get the best outcomes especially following surgery.