The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments which the nerves of the hand run through. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is pressure and inflammation aggravating the median nerve, which goes to the thumb, index, and middle finger. The most common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome is pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the first three fingers of the hand.There are various causes or triggers that can cause or elicit carpal tunnel syndrome. With the proper assessment, we can determine factors in an individual’s life that may be contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome and then form a treatment plan to better help alleviate pain from and prevent it from happening altogether.
Common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Pressure on the median nerve
- Poor biomechanics and posture
- Strenuous activities
- Muscle strains
- Wrist fracture
- Obesity
- pregnancy
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Arthritis
- Nerve damaging conditions
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory conditions
What are the symptoms/signs?
- Throbbing pain in hand/fingers
- Constant pain
- Stabbing Pain
- Sharp or Dull ache that gets worse from time to time
- Muscle Fatigue in hands
- Electric shock type pain
- Tingling or numbness of the fingers
- Muscle weakness
- Dropping objects
- Feeling the need to “shake out” your hands
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Our thorough evaluation includes a detailed medical history and physical assessment designed to determine the cause and factors that may be contributing to your carpal tunnel pain.
Our assessment includes:
- Detailed medical history
- Posture Assessment
- Palpation
- Gait Analysis
- Functional Movement Analysis
- Neurological tests
- Orthopedic tests
- Digital X Rays (if necessary)
- Digital MRIs (if necessary)
Once we establish the cause of the carpal tunnel pain, a strategic and customized course of care is determined and initiated to help alleviate pain and prevent carpal tunnel pain from happening altogether. Every person is unique in their ability to heal and adapt to stressors, which is why we tailor our treatment plans specifically for each person. Our goal is to get you out of pain as quickly as possible so that you can get back to enjoying what you love.
An individual’s treatment plan may include some or all of the following forms of therapies:
- Adjustments
- IASTM- (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)
- Myofascial release
- Corrective and strengthening exercises
- Laser therapy
- Lifestyle Recommendations
- Soft Tissue Taping