What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the hand and wrist. It is characterized by sensory loss and motor weakness that occur when the median nerve is compromised in the carpal tunnel.  Anything that decreases the space in the carpal tunnel or causes the contents of the tunnel to enlarge could compress or restrict the mobility of the median nerve, causing a compression, ischemia (restricted blood flow), and neurological symptoms to the wrist. 

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The carpal tunnel is a narrow space in the wrist formed by bones and ligaments. In this region, the median nerve is susceptible to pressure as it courses through the tunnel on their way into the hand. 

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Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can come and go during the day or night. It may also vary based on the time of the day, activity, wrist position and severity of condition.

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The common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

1. Numbness and tingling: Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome often experience sensory changes such as: numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. It is often worse at night and relieved by flicking the wrist. The sensation is not limited to the hand and can extend to the forearm and shoulder. 
2. Hand weakness: Weakness in the hand causes the tendency to drop objects or have difficulty with fine motor tasks such as buttoning clothes or gripping small objects 
3. Pain or discomfort: Some people with CTS may experience pain or discomfort in the wrist, palm, or fingers. The pain may be only in the hand or may radiate to the forearm toward the shoulder.  It usually wakes people up at night and is also relieved by flicking the wrist. 
4. Hand clumsiness: Patients with CTS may also note clumsiness when using their affected hand to grip objects, causing them to fall. 

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What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

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Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by various factors, including both local and systemic factors. Local Factors include irritation and inflammation of the tendons as a result of repetitive or sustained hand and wrist movements. Because of this, CTS is frequently classified as an overuse syndrome. Swelling in the wrist area due to local trauma (e.g. fall or blow to the hand), osteoarthritis, or systemic factors such as; pregnancy (due to hormonal changes and water retention), rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes could decrease the carpal tunnel space. Awkward wrist postures, compressive forces from sustained equipment usage, and vibration against the carpal tunnel could also lead to median nerve compression and trauma. 

How can physical therapy help?

Physical therapy can play a beneficial role in the management and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A physical therapist can provide targeted interventions to relieve symptoms, improve hand and wrist function, and prevent further progression of the condition. Here's how physical therapy can help with carpal tunnel syndrome:

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1. Nerve Protection: Initially, the wrist may have to be splinted to provide rest from the provoking activity and to protect the areas with decreased sensitivity.
2. Nerve gliding exercises: Physical therapists can teach you specific exercises that involve gently gliding and stretching the affected nerves, including the median nerve. These exercises help reduce nerve compression and improve nerve mobility, thereby alleviating symptoms.
3. Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles in the hand, wrist, and forearm can help support the wrist joint and reduce strain on the median nerve. Physical therapists will prescribe specific exercises that target the affected muscles, improving overall hand and wrist function.
4. Range of motion exercises: Gentle stretching and range of motion exercises can help improve flexibility and mobility in the wrist and hand. This can alleviate stiffness, reduce pain, and enhance functional movements.
5. Ultrasound therapy: Physical therapists may use therapeutic ultrasound, a deep heating modality, to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation in the carpal tunnel area.
6. Manual therapy techniques: Hands-on techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization, can be used by physical therapists to reduce muscle tightness, improve tissue extensibility, mobilize the wrist area to improve carpal tunnel space, and to enhance blood circulation in the affected area.
7. Education and self-management: Physical therapists educate patients about the mechanisms of compression and their effect on the circulation and nerve pressure as well as how to modify or eliminate provoking postures and activities. They will also instruct the patient to observe the areas with decreased sensitivity to avoid tissue injury. 
8. Home exercise program: Physical therapists provide safe exercises for a home exercise program. They emphasize the importance of compliance to reduce stress on the nerves and tendons.

It's important to note that the specific treatment approach may vary depending on individual needs and the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. A physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation and design a customized treatment plan tailored to your condition.

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Trust PeteHealth for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) treatment

Looking for a physical therapist to help you manage and treat carpal tunnel syndrome? PeteHealth is the trusted physical therapy solution that you can access on your schedule, bringing you the care you need wherever you need it – including your home or office. Our licensed physical therapists are at the top of their profession, and we accept most insurance carriers.

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Finally – the all-in-one, professional, convenient approach to physical therapy that you deserve with PeteHealth.

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