Physical Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
We get it, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can be incredibly frustrating – and painful. It can make things like writing, typing, cooking, applying makeup – anything that involves using your hands – extremely difficult and sometimes even impossible. Physical Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is becoming more and more popular amongst those struggling with this burdensome and painful condition.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, (which is housed in the carpal tunnel, running from the arms to hands) , becomes compressed or squeezed. When this happens the tissues (that normally provide lubrication to the tendons to make it easier to move your fingers), swell and crowd the nerve.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Doing any activity that involves intense usage of your hands and fingers for an extended period of time can cause cramping and discomfort. It is important to note: cramping does not automatically mean that you have CTS. Think more in-depth about your pain to begin making a determination. CTS typically feels like tingling, numbness, burning or pain in the hands and fingers, excluding the pinkies.
The symptoms begin to occur at night while asleep and as the condition worsens, those symptoms will evolve into daytime pain as well. Some people say it feels like your fingers are swollen, even when they aren’t. They also describe feeling as shocks running through the fingers, and/or the feeling of pain or tingling going from the forearm to shoulder. Over time CTS will cause you to lose your grip on things, making it more difficult to form a fist and handle small objects.
Who Can Get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
CTS does not discriminate; in other words, just about anyone can get it. This includes:
- Someone who may have experienced trauma to the wrist, like a fracture or sprain (maybe during a bad fall or perhaps in a car accident)
- People that have a nerve-damaging condition like diabetes or an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Individuals with menopause, obesity, kidney failure, and thyroid disorder
- People whose careers involve intensive use of their hands, such as musicians, sewing, fishing, cleaning, assembly line-work manufacturing and meat packing.
It is also important to note that carpal tunnel syndrome occurs more often in women than in men.
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Treatment for CTS should begin as early as possible. It is suggested to avoid activities that may worsen symptoms and/or try to take breaks in between doing those activities. It is also recommended that you apply a cold compress when swelling occurs. Other treatments include medication, wrist-splinting, physical therapy, and surgery.
Physical Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you live in the Miami Dade area and have carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t assume you have to to go through surgery. New studies indicate that physical therapy may work just as well as surgery and is, of course, less risky in most circumstances.
Contact us at Physical Therapy Now to schedule an appointment and find a location near you at (888) 481-4582. We can help!
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