What are the Warning Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Introduction:

From everyday activities to sports injuries, wrist pain can disrupt daily life. OC Wellness Physicians specializes in physiotherapy for various wrist conditions, ensuring personalized treatment for effective pain relief and restored functionality. With expertise in diagnosing and treating wrist injuries, trust OC Wellness Physicians to alleviate your discomfort and aid recovery.

Key Takeaways:

• Comprehensive Treatment: OC Wellness Physicians offer tailored physiotherapy for wrist pain, including conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
• Expert Diagnosis: Accurate assessment ensures effective treatment, addressing issues from joints to muscles.
• Customized Care: Treatment plans blend techniques like strengthening exercises and manipulation for optimal recovery.
• Non-Surgical Solutions: While surgery may be necessary in severe cases, alternative therapies like acupuncture and physical therapy can often alleviate symptoms.

What are the warning signs and causes of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) warning signs include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Causes may include repetitive motions, genetic predisposition, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or arthritis.

From work injuries to sports injuries, there are many different ways wrist pain can occur; in fact, a lot of people suffer problems with their wrists through activities involved in everyday arm use. No matter what applies to you, OC Wellness Physicians will be able to provide you with the most effective course of physiotherapy treatment to ensure the pain is alleviated, and functionality is restored. We have plenty of experience in treating wrist pain or injury, so you can be confident that you are in safe hands when choosing our service.

We can assist with a wide range of wrist problems, including:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis
• Triangular Fibrocartilage Injury
• Wrist Tendonitis
• Post-Operative Rehab
• Post Fracture Rehab
• Wrist Sprain
• Arthritis

An accurate diagnosis is imperative when it comes to dealing with wrist pain and ensuring the condition is managed. This is why one of our experienced therapists will begin our visit by evaluating the problem thoroughly so that they can put together the most effective and individualized course of treatment for you. From the joint to the tendon and from the tendon to the muscle, the pain you are experiencing can be caused by any number of issues, which shows why a correct diagnosis is so important, and highlights why it is essential to use the services of a therapist with a considerable amount of experience.

Once we’ve gotten to the root of the problem, we will then begin our customized course of treatment so you can return to normal activity as quickly as possible. We typically use a mixture of techniques, including strengthening exercises and hand manipulation techniques, to alleviate pain and boost functionality. We will also provide you with advice to follow in your everyday life to ensure that the condition doesn’t deteriorate in the future.

There is no denying that physiotherapy is the best approach for anyone that is suffering from wrist injury or pain as it is a drug-free form of treatment, however, there are instances when surgery may be required. Early assessment and intervention are of paramount importance in such circumstances, which is what we can help you with to ensure you get the surgery you need if that is the case. So, if you are in any pain or experiencing any issues with your wrist, give OC Wellness Physicians a call today to book an appointment with one of our friendly and experienced therapists. Don’t suffer any longer.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Now that you have a good understanding of some of the different common conditions that impact the wrist, we are going to take a look at one of the main ones in further detail: carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This is a condition that puts pressure on a nerve in your wrist. This can result in pain, numbness, and tingling in your fingers and hands. The good news is that this is something that you will typically be able to treat without any surgical intervention, yet it can take months and months to improve the associated pain.

Warning signs of carpal tunnel syndrome

There are a number of different warning signs that you may already have or are developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms and warning signs include:

• Difficulty gripping or a weak thumb
• Pins and needles or tingling
• Numb hands
• A pain or ache in your arm, hand, or fingers

Usually, these symptoms will start slowly, and they will come and go, rather than being consistent. People will typically experience these symptoms worse during the night.

For most people, when you are in the early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome, you will notice tingling or numbness in the palm of your hand, ring fingers, middle fingers, index fingers, and thumbs. These signs are caused due to the tissues in your wrist being inflamed. These tissues are pressing down on the median nerve causing more numbness and/or increased pain. Sometimes, it can cause both at the same time.

There are further warning signs that you should be looking out for as well. This includes your hand grip getting weaker or experiencing troubles with fine finger coordination. This can make it a challenge for you to carry items because you can find yourself dropping them on the floor whenever you try to pick them up.

If you have a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome, there are some other signs that you should look out for. Some people feel stiff when they extend from their hand and wrist to the elbow and forearm. There can also be the feeling of tightening and locking. In a lot of cases, the pain can become so unbearable that people struggle to fall asleep or they end up being woken up from their sleep in the middle of the night.

In addition to this, an indicator that carpal tunnel syndrome is progressing is when the muscles in your fingers and palm start to become weak, especially the muscles in your thumb. You may even encounter a loss of muscle. You will notice this loss of strength when you are trying to complete daily tasks, like holding a pen while writing, brushing your hair, or opening a jar. If you notice any of the signs that we have mentioned above, the best thing for you to do is get in touch with a specialist as soon as possible so that they can get to the bottom of the condition you are experiencing and make their recommendations on the best treatment for you.

What are some of the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome?

There are a number of different causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. CTS, as it is often shortened to, happens when the carpal tunnel inside of your wrist squeezes and swells your median nerve. There are some people that are more at risk of this happening to them. This includes the following:

• You have had a previous injury to your wrist
• You have a sister, brother, or parent with CTS
• You have another type of illness, such as diabetes or arthritis
• You do hobbies or work that mean you bend your wrist repeatedly or grip hard, for example, if you use tools that vibrate
• You are pregnant
• You are overweight

Tests That Are Used To Find Out Whether You Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected, there are a number of different tests that can be carried out to discover whether or not you actually have this condition. We will talk you through some of them so that you can get a better understanding. The first is the Durkan’s test. This is when the professional will bend your wrist forward and put some pressure on the front of the carpal tunnel.

Another test that can be used to determine whether you have carpal tunnel syndrome is the Reverse Phalen’s test. With this approach, your wrist is going to be bent backward. You will need to keep this position for two minutes, with your full wrist and fingers extended.

In addition to this, there is Phalen’s Test. The reverse test that we just mentioned is the opposite of this. The Phalen’s Test is a provocative test whereby the median nerve is either going to be squeezed or compressed at the wrist. This is done by placing the backs of your hands together so that both of your wrists are fully flexed.

Aside from the tests that we have mentioned so far, one of the popular tests used is the Tinel’s test. With this test, the surgeon that is examining your wrist will tap on the front of your wrist. Should a carpal tunnel syndrome test be present, you may encounter a sensation that is tingling and goes up your arm and down your fingers. Sometimes, patients feel a sensation that is like an electric shock, and this is unpleasant, to say the least, yet it can help to confirm that you are indeed suffering from this condition.

What are some of the things that can be done to treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

There are a number of different things you can do to help yourself get better if you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Of course, the best thing to do is listen to the advice from your specialist because he or she will make recommendations based on the progression of carpal tunnel syndrome.

You may be advised to wear a wrist splint. This is something that is worn on your hand to ensure that your wrist is kept straight. It helps to ensure that the pressure on the nerve is relieved. You will often wear this during the evening while you are sleeping.

Aside from this, you may be prescribed painkillers to help you deal with the pain you are experiencing.

You may also be advised to cut down or stop the things that could be causing the condition. For example, this means stopping anything that means you need to grip hard or bend your wrist frequently, such as playing an instrument or using vibrating tools. This may not be possible in your place of work, but trying to at least reduce your use is imperative for your health.

Alternative Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

While it can be easy to ignore carpal tunnel and dread a possible surgical procedure, there are alternatives to surgery you may not have considered. Here at OC Wellness Physicians we know that not every course of treatment for CTS will be the right one for each patient. This is why we combine several therapeutic treatments that have been proven effective in the treatment of the pain that comes from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Let’s talk about a few of those.

• Acupuncture: This alternative treatment has been proven effective in alleviating symptoms associated with carpal tunnel, such as: pain, inflammation and numbness, and it also helps to restore vital motor dexterity.
• Physical Therapy: This can help to increase mobility and fine motor skills while helping to improve strength and flexibility in the surrounding muscle tissue.
• Chiropractic Care: Gentle manipulation can help to relieve pain in the arm and wrist joints and has been shown to considerably improve grip strength.
• Massage Therapy: Massaging the muscles in the hand, arm and neck can help to alleviate CTS related pain and also aid in its prevention.

While there are definitely some genetics that play a role in CTS, there are also things you can do to prevent or postpone the onset of CTS symptoms. At the OC Wellness, we look at the entire body of the person and recommend treatment based on your specific symptoms and situation. Every individual will require a customized plan of action for relieving symptoms associated with CTS.

Don’t Hesitate…Get Relief From Your CTS Pain Today!

We have many clients who have hesitated to receive treatment for years out of fear of surgery. If you are among them, don’t wait. Your condition will only worsen and be more difficult to get under control. Call us today for a free consultation. We have helped thousands of patients find relief from their Carpal Tunnel pain and many of them without surgery.

We are committed to helping you find a way through your pain, relieve symptoms and control future flare ups in a manageable and safe way. We have everything you need under one roof; full diagnostic equipment and screening will give you a complete and accurate picture of your unique situation. Knowledge is power. Call today 657.837.2608.