What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is also called median nerve compression. It’s called carpal tunnel because it’s a very narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist / hand. The carpal tunnel contains nine tendons and the median nerve.
When this tunnel is compressed and becomes very tight, it creates a lot of pressure for the tendons and the median nerve which pass through this.
The symptoms that you may feel can include numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and arm.
What are the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel?
Tingling and numbness are very common symptoms when you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It usually affects the thumb, index and middle finger. Occasionally you might feel some tingling on the ring finger as well. The sensation that you might feel is like an electric shock in these fingers.
Weakness in your hand is another common symptom. This may be due to excessive median nerve compression. Dropping objects and being unable to lift heavy stuff is something that can happen as well.
What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The pain in your wrist is due to excess pressure in the carpal tunnel and on the median nerve. Swelling is caused by inflammation on the affected area.
Carpal tunnel can be caused by repetitive wrist flexion and it’s common to people who :
use the keyboard for long hours,
are exposed to vibrations from using hand and power tools
who play an instrument like guitar, piano etc.. and they need to keep their wrist bent for a prolonged time
Other underlying medical condition can cause inflammation and pain on the wrist area. Some of the most frequent conditions linked with carpal tunnel are:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Under-active or Overactive Thyroid
Fluid retention from pregnancy or menopause
Did you know?
Women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel
Carpal tunnel is more common between 30 to 60 years old
High blood pressure and arthritis are risking factors for carpal tunnel syndrome
Other risk factors are smoking, high sodium intake, sedentary lifestyle and increased body mass index (BMI)
Manufacturers, assembly line workers, secretaries and construction workers develop more often carpal tunnel compared to other professions.
How can I prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?
You can prevent carpal tunnel syndrome by making lifestyle changes that reduce your risk factors for developing it.
Treating conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis reduces your risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Paying careful attention to hand posture and avoiding activities that over-flex your wrist are also important strategies for carpal tunnel prevention.
How I treat Carpal Tunnel?
In Physio Pattern Manchester we will do a thorough assessment in order to find the real cause of your carpal tunnel symptoms. A treatment plan will be developed to ensure a speed recovery with long term results and no recurrence.
Physio Pattern Manchester is going to use some of the modalities below as assessment and treatment tools (click on the links for more information).
PHYSIOTHERAPY https://www.physiopattern.com/physiotherapy
NEUROKINETIC https://www.physiopattern.com/neurokinetic-therapy
TECAR THERAPY https://www.physiopattern.com/tecar-therapy
MANUAL THERAPY https://www.physiopattern.com/manualtherapy
If you would like more information of how Physio Pattern Manchester can help with this condition, or to book an assessment please call
Leading Physiotherapy Provider in Manchester. Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in Manchester, Physiotherapy Treatment in Manchester city centre, Northern Quarter, Ancoats.Physio Manchester, Manchester Physio, Physio Manchester City Centre, Physiotherapy clinic in Manchester.