Relief for carpal tunnel: Aspire physiotherapy’s expertise

Relief for carpal tunnel: Aspire physiotherapy’s expertise:

In today's digital world, where keyboards and cell phones are omnipresent, we frequently spend long periods of time typing, texting, or using a mouse. While these activities may appear to be harmless, they can cause carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Understanding this illness is critical for successfully preventing and controlling its symptoms.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common ailment affecting the hands and wrists. It occurs when the median nerve, which passes from the forearm to the hand through a narrow canal known as the carpal tunnel, is pinched or squeezed. This compression can cause a variety of symptoms, including minor discomfort, severe pain, and numbness.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

1. Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger.
2. Weakness or clumsiness in the hands makes it difficult to hold things or perform fine motor activities.
3. Pain or discomfort that spreads from the wrist up the arm.
4. Worsening symptoms at night, causing sleep disturbances.
5. Difficulty performing grasping or repeated wrist actions, such as typing or using tools.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Repetitive hand and wrist movements: Activities that require repetitive motions, such as typing, stitching, or playing musical instruments, can strain the wrist and contribute to the development of CTS.

Prolonged wrist positioning: Holding an awkward or bent wrist position for an extended period of time, such as while using a computer keyboard or mouse, can place pressure on the median nerve.

Anatomical factors: Individuals who have a smaller carpal tunnel or a wrist fracture are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

Medical problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid issues, can increase the likelihood of getting CTS.

Treatment of carpel tunnel syndrome

1. Rest and activity modification: You can lessen pressure on the median nerve by avoiding activities that make your symptoms worse and by taking regular pauses from repetitive tasks.
2. Wrist splinting: Keeping the wrist in a neutral position and minimizing compression on the median nerve can be achieved by wearing a splint at night or during activities that exacerbate symptoms.
3. Medication: Corticosteroid injections or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may help lessen the discomfort and inflammation brought on by CTS.
4. Physical therapy: Performing exercises to increase flexibility and strengthen the wrist muscles can help reduce symptoms and stop them from coming back.
5. Surgery: To relieve pressure on the median nerve and relieve symptoms, surgical intervention may be required in severe cases or when conservative therapies are ineffective.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome handled with Aspire?

• In a primary care setting, patients with mild to moderate symptoms can receive effective treatment.
• We should give guidance on modifications of activities and the workplace (ergonomic changes) task modification, For example, taking sufficient rest and variation of motions.
• Simple, evident changes to one's working routine can frequently be helpful in managing less severe CTS symptoms.
• Techniques used in manual therapy include mobilization of
  
  Carpal bone
  Soft tissue
  Median nerve
• TENS and ultrasound are two helpful physiotherapy methods for hand sensory sensitivity.
• It can be helpful to stretch to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
• The goal of carpal tunnel syndrome strengthening exercises is to increase the wrist, forearm, and hand muscles' strength and stability.

By Dr.Ayush Ranjan (Physiotherapist)