Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is it?
A common condition of the wrist and hand is known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It is a condition where the nerve known as the median nerve supplying the muscles of the wrist and hand on the palmer side becomes trapped. As a result, people with CTS may experience pain and numbness in the wrist, middle finger, index finger and the thumb on the palmer side. Some may experience weakness in the hand, wrist and arm and difficulty with completing detail work activities that require fine movements of the thumb and wrist.
Who’s at risk?
While CTS is seen at a higher rate in women and the 35 to 60-year-old age bracket, it can occur in people at any age who complete repetitive wrist bending activities. Conditions such as arthritis, history of diabetes, previous wrist injuries or family history may increase the risk of developing CTS. In most cases, CTS will affect the dominant side. However, both sides may be affected if CTS symptoms are gone untreated as people suffering from CTS will often begin relying on the non-dominant hand.
How can Physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy can identify whether or not you may have CTS. Your Physiotherapist will complete specific nerve tests to recreate your symptoms and test your grip strength to assess the overall degree of weakness. Your Physiotherapist will also observe and test the upper body for biomechanical or strength faults that can be modified. Your Physiotherapist may even ask you to fill out a questionnaire to learn more about the degree that CTS is affecting your daily activities and work. If needed, you may be referred for other diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, MRI and nerve conduction studies.
What is the treatment for CTS?
In mild cases, treatment is conservative. Your GP may suggest use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and Physiotherapy rehabilitation. Rehabilitation will aim to improve the pain-free range of motion of the wrist, hand and thumb. This will be followed by specific fine motor control training to improve your ability to complete detailed tasks, and strength training to improve your grip strength. Depending on your presentation, the Physiotherapist may also include upper body work such as scapular re-training and a general fitness program to optimise your overall function.
In more severe cases with persistent symptoms that do not respond positively to Physiotherapy rehabilitation, surgery may be on the cards. This plan would be made in collaboration with you and your GP.
If you think you have CTS, speak to a Back in Motion Braybrook Physiotherapist and book in for an initial consultation.