- by Nick Black, Physiotherapist
Are you getting burning or shock-like pains, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands? Are your symptoms particularly aggravated at night or with repetitive use of your hands? You may be experiencing the condition known as ‘carpal tunnel syndrome’.
The carpal tunnel lies between the wrist and palm, with the floor of the tunnel being formed by bones and the roof by a ligament that stretches from one side of the wrist to the other. Running through this tunnel are tendons and nerves that control the hand. Compression of the ‘median nerve’ as it passes through the tunnel, is the cause of those irritating and painful symptoms.
So why does this happen? Well, this compression can be caused in a multitude of different ways - thickening of the tendons or ligaments within the tunnel, bone abnormalities or swelling are probably the most common causes. This is usually the result of overuse through repetitive tasks such as typing or other activities that require prolonged awkward wrist postures. Pregnancy, diabetes, arthritis and obesity are also factors that can predispose to compression and damage to this nerve.
In all honesty, management of this condition can be quite frustrating! The most important step is identifying the specific activities and other factors that are responsible for your symptoms. Next you need to modify them - whether its straightening your wrists while typing or using the mouse, taking regular short breaks, incorporating varied wrist and hand positions within the task or even stopping the activity all together. This really does require a lot of discipline but is crucial if you are going to make a difference.
Bracing your wrist in a straightened position can also be beneficial, particularly if your symptoms are aggravated at night. This helps to avoid holding the wrist in prolonged positions that increase strain on the nerve. Check your local pharmacy for a suitable brace.
Your physiotherapist can provide manual therapy and guide you in wrist exercises that promote smooth movement of the joints, tendons and nerve within the carpal tunnel. This can help to disperse inflammation, increase joint mobility and prevent adhesions that may be responsible for compressing and irritating the nerve.
Surgical management may be indicated if pain is severe and persistent, or if significant hand weakness is present. This involves releasing the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel in order to decompress the nerve.
It is important to note that various other conditions can present with similar symptoms to carpal tunnel syndrome. It is always recommended that you seek guidance through your doctor or physiotherapist to ensure your health is managed appropriately.
This is provided as general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as medical advice. Nick Black is a Registered Physiotherapistand associate at Sun City Physiotherapy. He can be contacted at Sun City Physiotherapy’s Winfield clinic by calling 250.766.2544 or by email at winfield@suncityphysiotherapy.com.
