Have you had that pain in your hand or wrist for a while now? Sometimes it could be just a normal ache but sometimes it can also be a medical condition that requires treatment such as the carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common hand or wrist condition that occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel resulting in irritation of the median nerve. In other words, it is a pinched nerve in the wrist or hand that causes pain with numbness or tingling.

 

What is the Carpal Tunnel?

The word “carpal” comes from the Latin word “carpus” which is derived from the Greek word καρπὁς meaning “wrist”. So not surprisingly, the carpal tunnel is a region in the palmer side of your wrist. Tendons and nerves travels through the arm to the hand through a narrow opening at the wrist, the carpal tunnel.

 

What is the Median Nerve?

Nerves provide motor (movement) and sensory functions to the area they innovate. The median nerve is a major nerve that helps control some hand muscles and delivers feeling to our

fingers. It is one of three nerves which runs down from your arm pit all the way to your hand. When you have carpal tunnel syndrome, the areas past the carpal tunnel become disrupted.

Prevalence

Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in middle aged women with the average age being between 40 and 50 years old. However, it is not uncommon for other populations to have carpal tunnel. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, although carpal runnel syndrome occurs in 4 percent of the general population, it actually occurs in 31 to 62 percent of pregnant women.

 

Risk factors

Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, family history, previous risk injury, menopause and overuse (excessive keyboard use, lifting, or some sports) increase your risk for developing carpal tunnel.

 

Causes

There can be a number of causes of carpal tunnel. Any condition which results in increased inflammation through the carpal tunnel can cause this condition. This small tunnel can become narrowed, which leads to compression and pressure on the median nerve. Once the carpal tunnel becomes inflamed this compresses the median nerve resulting in neurological symptoms.

Contrary to popular belief, carpal tunnel carpal tunnel isn’t a risk just to people who use the keyboard too much but also side sleepers. Believe it or not, how we sleep at night may be another factor that contributes to our risk of developing carpal tunnel. Sleeping with your hand in a awkward position for extended durations regularly can also increase chances of carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel is also a common condition with pregnant women. During pregnancy, your blood volume doubles and that extra fluid increases pressure and swelling in the blood vessels throughout your body. Unfortunately, in tight spaces such as the carpal tunnel area, the swelling can compress the median nerve causing you pain, numbness and tingling.

 

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can include hand weakness, wrist pain, numbness, tingling and pain can also radiate up to the forearm, elbow and shoulder. You may also experience occasional shock-like sensations that radiate to the thumb and index, middle, and ring fingers.

 

Diagnosis

It’s very easy to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome based on symptoms and simple tests. Scans are rarely used to diagnose carpal tunnel. Occasionally, your doctor may want you to get blood tests if they think a systemic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis is causing carpal tunnel.

 

Management and treatment of carpal tunnel

The first step to managing carpal tunnel syndrome is correct diagnosis, followed by identifying what is causing compression. Physio treatment will often include gentle nerve glides, trigger point release, and strategies to de-load your wrist and hand (especially if overuse is the cause). Doctors will often be involved in management and specialists may be required if you have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

In severe cases where conservative management has not worked, you may require a carpal tunnel release. This is a surgery that involves cutting the palmer fascia (one border of the carpal tunnel) to release pressure on the median nerve.

 

Do you have carpal tunnel syndrome? Our physiotherapists combine their passion and expertise to help you achieve your optimal movement and performance.

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