Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) typically occurs in adults, with women three times more likely to develop it than men. The dominant hand is usually affected first, and the pain is typically severe. CTS is especially common in assembly-line workers in manufacturing, sewing, finishing, cleaning, meatpacking and similar industries.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a problem of the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand. CTS occurs when the median nerve gets compressed in the carpal tunnel—a narrow tunnel at the wrist made up of bones and soft tissues, such as nerves, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. The compression may result in pain, weakness and/or numbness in the hand and wrist, which radiates up into the forearm. CTS is the most common of the “entrapment neuropathies”—compression or trauma of the body’s nerves in the hands or feet.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
Burning, tingling, itching and/or numbness in the palm of the hand and thumb, index and middle fingers are most common. Some people with CTS say that their fingers feel useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. Since many of us sleep with flexed wrists, the symptoms often first appear while sleeping. As symptoms worsen, they may feel tingling during the day. In addition, weakened grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist or grasp small objects. Some may develop wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb. Some are unable to distinguish hot from cold by touch.
Why Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Develop?
Some can have smaller carpal tunnels than others, which makes the median nerve compression more likely. In others, CTS can develop because of an injury to the wrist that causes swelling, over-activity of the pituitary gland, hypothyroidism, diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, mechanical problems in the wrist joint, poor work ergonomics, repeated use of vibrating hand tools, and fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause.
How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Diagnosed?
CTS should be diagnosed and treated early. A standard physical examination of the hands, arms, shoulders and neck can help determine if your symptoms are related to daily activities or to an underlying disorder.
Here at DuPage Health and Physical Therapy Center, we may use other specific tests to try to produce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The most common are:
• Pressure-provocative test. A cuff placed at the front of the carpal tunnel is inflated, followed by direct pressure on the median nerve.
• Carpal compression test. Moderate pressure is applied with both thumbs directly on the carpal tunnel and underlying median nerve at the transverse carpal ligament.
Laboratory tests and x-rays can reveal diabetes, arthritis, fractures and other common causes of wrist and hand pain. Sometimes electrodiagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction velocity testing, are used to help confirm the diagnosis. With these tests, small electrodes, placed on your skin, measure the speed at which electrical impulses travel across your wrist. CTS will slow the speed of the impulses and will point to this diagnosis.
What Is the Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
Initial therapy includes:
• Resting the affected hand and wrist
• Avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms
• Immobilizing the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage from twisting or bending
• Applying cool packs to help reduce swelling from inflammation.
Some medications can help with pain control and inflammation. Studies have shown that vitamin B6 supplements may relieve CTS symptoms.
At DuPage Health and Physical Therapy Center, we may provide helpful techniques such as chiropractic joint manipulation and mobilization of the wrist and hand, stretching and strengthening exercises, soft-tissue mobilization techniques, and even yoga. Other therapies, such as acupuncture, may help prevent and treat this disorder.
Occasionally, some whose symptoms fail to respond to conservative care may require surgery. The surgeon will release the ligament covering the carpal tunnel. The majority recover completely after treatment and the recurrence rate is low. Proper posture and movement as instructed by DuPage Health and Physical Therapy Center can help prevent CTS recurrences.
How Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Be Prevented?
The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following tips:
• Perform on-the-job conditioning, such as stretching and light exercises.
• Take frequent rest breaks.
• Use finger-less gloves to help keep the hands warm and flexible.
• Use correct posture and wrist position.
• To minimize workplace injuries, jobs can be rotated among workers. Employers can also develop programs in ergonomics—the process of adapting workplace conditions and job demands to workers’ physical capabilities.
For more information on prevention and wellness, visit our website www.dupagehealthpt.com or call (331) 401-5900 and schedule an appointment today!