Key points
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common peripheral neuropathies.
- People who are at higher risk for carpal tunnel syndrome are 40-60 years old females and people who have repetitive use of the hand.
- Carpal tunnel is quite common in pregnancy.
- With carpal tunnel syndrome, physiotherapy provides a mix of manual and exercise-based treatment to relieve symptoms.
- Outcomes are generally more favorable when carpal tunnel syndrome is assessed early. Individual results vary.
Introduction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common peripheral neuropathies. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, it is a symptomatic compression neuropathy of the median nerve. This occurs at the level of the carpal tunnel, with increased pressure and decreased nerve function.
Some common symptoms
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome often initially include paraesthesia in the median nerve distribution of the hand.
Sensory loss then follows.
Pain or burning sensation in the same region can occur.
Sometimes pain can be experienced proximally.
Some people reported symptoms more evident at night and feeling clumsy fingers.
If severe compression at the carpal tunnel damages the median nerve, symptoms worsen.
People then experience weakened grip strength or muscle weakness at the thenar eminence.
This progresses to visible muscle wasting in the thumb area.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist level. Anything that reduces the space of the carpal tunnel or increases its volume can cause the symptoms. Examples include bony enlargement, ligament thickening, inflammation of tendons, arthritic changes, or fluid retention.
Repetitive use of hand and wrist over a prolonged period, such as excessive or improper use of a computer mouse, or vibrating tool use common in local trades, can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel in pregnancy and how physio can help
During pregnancy fluid content increases a lot and as a result the pressure on the median nerve can increase, leading to carpal tunnel symptoms. Physiotherapy is one of the non surgical options available for managing these symptoms.
Our physios in Toongabbie can guide you and create a treatment plan for you to continue using your hand and decreasing your symptoms by:
Exercise modification
Adjusting how you train and move so the hand and wrist are loaded in positions that do not provoke your symptoms.
Load modification
Changing how you grip, carry and use the hand through the day, including at work and at home.
Median nerve mobilization
Techniques that restore movement of the median nerve where it passes through the carpal tunnel.
The right carpal tunnel brace
A splint holds the wrist in a neutral position. Sometimes over the counter braces are not as effective as custom order splints or semi custom splints. Splints and braces are available at our Toongabbie clinic.
How does physiotherapy help treat carpal tunnel syndrome
Physiotherapists will conduct a thorough assessment at the initial consultation, understanding your movement pattern and finding out the contributing factors to the symptoms. Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome has few different components.
The treating physio might recommend using a wrist splint. It will help with short-term symptom relief and promote functional improvement.
The second part of the treatment is usually activity modification.
It involves guiding you to modify activities for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, such as setup and wrist position for computer use.
These basic modifications offer immediate support for injury rehab.
The treatment could involve combination of manual therapy and/or modality for symptoms management. Soft tissue release helps reduce tightness at the forearm muscles. Modalities such as ultrasound or laser may be used as an adjunct, although current evidence for these in carpal tunnel syndrome is of low certainty. The next stage in the rehab involves teaching you the suitable exercises to help you move freely and build strength.
Why choose ProCure Physio in Toongabbie and Western Sydney for this condition
At ProCure Physio in Toongabbie, we have a team of physiotherapists helping you with your condition. We listen carefully to your story, observe how you move, assess thoroughly to find out the reason for your problem. Our clinic is well-equipped to help with your recovery journey, we have splints and braces available at the clinic.
People attend our Toongabbie clinic from Girraween, Pendle Hill, Wentworthville, Seven Hills, Prospect, Greystanes, Westmead, Blacktown and Parramatta. We are a short walk from Toongabbie station with parking available.
How long does it take to recover
Outcomes for carpal tunnel syndrome are generally more favorable when symptoms are assessed early.
Individual results vary.
Non surgical management is generally the first approach for mild to moderate presentations.
Published reviews report improvement over a period of months.
For those who have severe carpal tunnel syndrome, sometimes surgical intervention will be considered.
Carpal tunnel surgery helps to relieve the pressure at the median nerve.
Your physiotherapist can discuss referral options with you.
Frequently asked questions
What are the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome?
The risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome are repetitive use of the hand and wrist, pregnancy leading to fluid retention, diabetes, arthritis and previous wrist injuries.
- Repetitive use of hand and wrist
- Pregnancy, leading to fluid retention
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Previous wrist injuries
What are the common age groups that suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome most commonly affects adults aged 40 to 60.
Are women more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome than men?
Yes. Females are three to four times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation and menopause may lead to fluid retention.
Summary
If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals. Early assessment supports more favourable outcomes for carpal tunnel syndrome.
