Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of most common problems affecting the hand. This condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand, median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist.
What does CTS feel like?
- numbness, tingling, and pain in your thumb and the first three fingers of your hand
- pain and burning that travels up your arm
- wrist pain at night that interferes with sleep
- weakness in the hand muscles
What leads to CTS?
- Repetitive hand and wrist use. Repeating the same hand and wrist motions over time may put pressure on wrist tendon and it leads to swelling.
- Woman & pregnancy. Ladies tend to have smaller carpal tunnel and hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause swelling that results in pressure on the nerve.
- Health conditions such as Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid gland imbalance are conditions that are associated with CTS
How can we make it better?
- Lifestyle changes. Take more breaks or avoid the repetitive activity that is causing the pain
- Exercises. Stretching, strengthening or nerve gliding exercises can manage the symptoms
- Immobilization. Wear a splint to keep your wrist from moving and to lessen pressure on your nerves
- Medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs or injection may calm down the swelling
- Pain management modalities- Treatment such Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy, Laser therapy and therapeutic Ultrasound therapy found to be effective in managing the condition
