Do your hands, wrists, or forearms ache daily? Are your daily activities, such as typing, lifting, or grasping objects, difficult? Do your hands and fingers hurt, tingle, or go numb when sleeping? Do you tend to feel painful stings with arm, hand, or wrist movement? If so, you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can cause numbness, stiffness, or pain that can radiate through your fingers, hands, wrists, or forearms. This happens when too much pressure is put on your median nerve, located at the base of your palm. Your carpal tunnel is a narrow channel, about the width of your thumb, located on your wrist under the palm. It protects the median nerve, as well as the tendons you use to bend your fingers. When excessive pressure is put on the median nerve, it causes crowding and irritation of the carpal tunnel, making it difficult for it to do its job.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Excessive use of the fingers, wrists, hands, or forearms can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. It is a very common condition, affecting approximately 1 out of every 20 Americans and accounting for almost 50% of all work-related injuries. Assembly-line work is the most common source of carpal tunnel syndrome, although those who perform jobs demanding extensive use of hand tools, keyboards, or the operation of heavy machinery are also at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Certain leisure activities have also been known to lead to this condition, such as sewing, playing string instruments, or participating in sports involving racquets.
Some health conditions can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, such as:
- Previous injury to the wrist, including strains, sprains, dislocations, and fractures
- Fluid retention, typically during pregnancy
- Hormone or metabolic changes, including thyroid imbalances, pregnancy, and menopause
- Degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
Can physical therapy help treat carpal tunnel syndrome?
When people develop carpal tunnel syndrome, many immediately think they will need surgery. However, with every surgery, there are risks involved, not to mention the overwhelming expense and recovery time. Physical therapy in Warminster or New Britain, PA may be the first option for those experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome.
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