Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common causes of wrist pain. It can affect anyone at any age, with a slightly higher frequency seen in females and those over the age of 30. The risk of developing is increased for those with previous wrist injuries, inflammatory conditions or those who work or perform activities involving repeated movements at the wrist joint. These include typing, gripping tools, computer work or repetitive lifting.

What are the symptoms?

This condition involves the narrowing of the carpal tunnel, which is a compartment of the wrist made up of bones and ligaments. This creates a passageway for our nerve to travel into the hand. Compression of this nerve can then trigger various symptoms, including pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the fingers, hand, wrist and into the forearm. These symptoms can range in severity from happening during activities or at rest. Night pain or numbness is commonly seen with carpal tunnel or after repetitive wrist movements.

How can Physiotherapy help me?

However these symptoms impact you, there are ways to improve their management. Physiotherapy is a first-line treatment for this condition, but in some cases, surgery may be required. The ways our physiotherapists can help you is:

• A wrist splint is designed to prevent flexion at the wrist and hence reduce the aggravation of your symptoms.
• strengthening exercises for the wrist and arm
• Stretches
• Manual Therapy, including joint mobilisation and massage
• Icing to reduce swelling.
• Activity modification to reduce aggravation and stress at the carpal tunnel.

If you have been diagnosed or suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, do not hesitate to book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists to seek a diagnosis and treatment that is tailored to you!