Carpal Tunnel is a structure in the hand where bones and liganments create a tunnel through which the Median Nerve and several tendons go through. If, under circumstances such as swelling or tendinopathy the tunnel is compressed, the symptoms caused can be intense or even severe.
What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ?
Symptoms caused to patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may include: :
- Pain on the hand or the wrist
- Numb fingers
- Night pain
- Swelling
- Weak thumb muscles
- Inability to grab
- Thumb muscles atrophy
In advanced stages of the clinical condition, the patient might face significant functional restrictions in everyday life.
Risk Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome most commonly apprears in :
- Women
- Ages over 50
- People doing intense hand labor
- Keyboard or mouse use
How can Physical Therapy Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ?
The treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be surgical or conservative. Conservative treatment is the first choice, and only if results are not satisfactory, the patient is reffered to a Surgeon. Accoring to clinical guidlines, pain treatment requires specilised electrotherapy. Orthopedic Manual Therapy, which includes joint hand and wrist joint mobilization, is proven to be effective, as well. Later, strenghtening of hand muscles completes the intervention and reduces the possibility of recurring sympotms. The interventions used are:
How is Evaluation Done ?
Evaluation by the Physical Therapist in done by taking your medical history, clinical examination, and special tests.
Did you have surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ?
Physical Therapy can help you maximize the benefits of a surgery.Together with Physical Therapist Mr. Danalis you will customise your rehabilitaion, so that post-surgery pain is addressed quickly, and with exercise your hand will once again be strong and with full range of motion.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Contact PhysioDanali today for expert consultation.
References
- Erickson M, Lawrence M, Jansen CWS, Coker D, Amadio P, Cleary C. Hand Pain and Sensory Deficits: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2019 May;49(5):CPG1-CPG85. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.0301. PMID: 31039690.
- Núñez de Arenas-Arroyo S, Cavero-Redondo I, Torres-Costoso A, Reina-Gutiérrez S, Álvarez-Bueno C, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. Short-term Effects of Neurodynamic Techniques for Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021 Dec;51(12):566-580. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2021.10533. Epub 2021 Nov 16. PMID: 34784245.
- Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association