Caroline Girard RMT

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve, a major nerve in the upper extremity that travels down the arm and enters the hand through a very small gap called carpal tunnel located in the central part of the wrist, gets compressed in the carpal tunnel. This causes irritation of the nerve leading to tingling or pain. Typically, this disease affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

Signs and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, weakness, pain, or tingling in the hand or fingers. Some individuals experience pain in the arm between their elbow and hand.

▪️Symptoms generally may occur in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger.
▪️Pain in the other fingers except little finger may be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome.
▪️Hands and fingers get weak.
▪️Slight pain in forearm and wrist.
▪️Pain will be severe at night.
▪️Feeling of relief just by shaking out the hand.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is first treated by conservative method. The general treatment includes complete rest for the wrist by wearing a splint. Cold therapy helps a lot to relieve the swelling and inflammation.

Surgery is performed in severe cases. Carpal tunnel release is a very simple operation in which carpal ligament is cut in order to enlarge the carpal tunnel and relieve the pressure on the median nerve. This is done either by open technique or endoscopic technique.

Physiotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome is important in speeding up the healing process and to get the optimal results. Physiotherapy also decreases the likelihood of recurrences in the future. Physiotherapy may include:

▪️Soft tissue massage.
▪️Electrotherapy.
▪️Joint mobilization.
▪️Heat and ice treatments.
▪️Bracing or splinting.
▪️Exercises to improve strength and flexibility.
▪️Activity modification and training.
▪️Appropriate plan for return to activity.Soft tissue massage.

Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Stretching and strengthening exercises are really helpful for the prevention from re-occurrence of symptoms. Pain free exercises are recommended. Aim for a full, pain-free range of motion before moving on to strengthening exercises.

Wrist Flexor Stretch against a chair

Method:

Starting Position:
Stand next to a chair. Lean forward and place your outstretched hand on top of the chair’s sitting surface with the palm facing and in contact with the surface of the chair.

Action:
In a slow and progressive manner push the wrist against the chair’s surface until you feel the resistance of the end of range. At end of range, hold the position for 15 seconds whilst breathing slowly and deeply. Ensure you keep the elbow fully extended throughout the exercise.