Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Physiotherapy
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that can impact your daily activities. Therefore, carpal tunnel syndrome Treatment physiotherapy is important. You need to understand the nature of this syndrome, its causes, and effective physiotherapy interventions that can help alleviate symptoms and improve function.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by median nerve compression as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. In the carpal tunnel, which is a small opening encircled by ligaments and bones, the median nerve regulates movement and sensation in the thumb and first three fingers.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome can disrupt your daily life. So, here are some symptoms that you should know so that if you notice any of these symptoms, you can take immediate action.
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain
- Weakness
- Hand and Wrist Discomfort
- Clumsiness
- Sensitivity to cold
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes
There are various Carpal Tunnel Syndrome causes that can contribute to the development of this syndrome. They are:
- Repetitive Hand Movements: The activities you do that are involved in repetitive hand movements like flexion or extension of the wrist, such as typing, using a mouse, or assembly line work can lead to swelling and pressure on the median nerve.
- Anatomical Factors: There are certain anatomical characteristics, such as a smaller carpal tunnel or anatomical variations in the wrist bones, that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Medical Conditions: Some conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and pregnancy, can extend the risk of developing CTS due to swelling or hormonal changes.
- Injury: If you have any precious injury in your wrist or trauma, it can cause previous inflammation and narrowing of the carpal tunnel.
- Poor Ergonomics: If you are working in an incorrect workstation setup with the wrong posture, it can show symptoms on the wrist and hand and can lead to CTS.
Physiotherapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Exercise
Physiotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome plays a crucial role in managing and giving a tailored physiotherapy program that can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the affected area. Here are some carpal tunnel syndrome exercises:
- Wrist flexor stretch
- Wrist Extension Stretch
- Median Nerve Gliding
- Tendon Gliding
- Wrist Strengthening Exercises
How to Cure Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
To cure carpal tunnel syndrome, physiotherapy is an effective treatment. Carpal tunnel syndrome cure involves a combination of lifestyle changes, conservative treatments, and sometimes surgical intervention. Some treatments are:
Lifestyle Changes
You need to maintain a healthy weight that can reduce pressure on the wrists and improve circulation. You need to keep in mind the wrist positioning during activities and avoid excess bending or twisting of the wrist. Also, you should ensure your workstation is ergonomically designed. Use an adjustable chair and desk, and position your keyboard and mouse at the right height to maintain a neutral wrist position. You can wear wrist splints or braces, especially at night, to keep your wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the median nerve. Moreover, take breaks from repetitive tasks to rest your hands and wrists.
Cold and Heat Therapy
Applying ice packs to the wrist for 15-20 minutes can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. And, using a warm compress or heating pad can help relax the muscles and increase blood flow to the area. This is a cold and heat therapy to alleviate pain.
Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be injected to reduce inflammation around the median nerve.
Surgery
In cases where the conservative approaches are unsuccessful for some time, surgical treatment can be mandatory. The surgical intervention usually consists of the destruction of the transverse carpal ligaments that are compressing the medium nerve. This procedure is done traditionally or through an assisted endoscopic technique, ‘carpal tunnel’ release.
Alternative Therapies
Some people find relief through acupuncture. This can alleviate symptoms by stimulating nerve function and improving blood flow. Chiropractic adjustments may also provide relief for some people by improving wrist and hand function.
Conclusion
At Dr. Geetanjali’s PhysioWorks, we are dedicated to helping you regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life Carpal tunnel syndrome physiotherapy. Our experts are trained in several techniques of physiotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome, which are discussed above. With earlier treatment and diagnosis, you can get fast recovery and relief from CTS. Our main goal is to provide you with the best carpal tunnel cure for your well-being.
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