What Matters Most To You
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to have surgery
Reasons not to have surgery
I tried other treatments, but my pain is still bad.
I can live with the pain while I give other treatments some more time to work.
I dont mind having surgery if it can get rid of my symptoms.
I just dont want to have surgery.
Im not worried about the small chance of problems from surgery.
I dont want to take even a small chance of something going wrong with surgery.
Im afraid of having lasting nerve damage from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Im not worried that Ill have lasting nerve damage from carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Who Gets Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly regarded as anoccupational disorder.That means a person’sjobis the likely culprit in causing the hand injury.
Essentially, your job dictates how you use your hands. If it involves a lot of forceful and repetitive movements, especially rapid grip-and-release activity, then youre at high risk for getting carpal tunnel syndrome.
We also know fromnumerous medical studiesthat people who spend a lot of time using a mouse andkeyboardare likely to suffer from carpal tunnel. Also at risk are workers in occupations like:
- clerical
- truck driving
As a general rule, if you make multiple and forceful hand movements for more than 6 hours a day, you’re nearly 4 times more likely to get this disorder.Read below for the steps to stop carpal tunnel before it worsens.
Debate About Ice Heat & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you have this condition then you already know the mainwarning signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. These are pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand or fingers. However, your little finger is fine.
Another main feature about carpal tunnel syndrome is in the beginning, symptoms come and go. But as it progresses, they will persist throughout most of the day or night.
To get relief, youve probably heard a lot about home remedies like ice or heat. Maybe you tried one. Actually, most people have triedboth– by alternating between hot and cold water .
I think half of patients tell me they like heat, while the other half say they like cold.
In reality, neither are actual treatments. Ice just temporarily relieves pain, like a numbing agent. Medicines such as Advil and Tylenol do the same thing. However, none of these get rid of the actual source of the problem.
Alternatively, heat is well-known to attack the actual cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. That cause istendon inflammationdeep inside your wrist joint. It produces fluid buildup which in turn exerts pressure on the median nerve. This is when themost common carpal tunnel symptomsbegin to show up.
Therefore, using heat will not temporarily relieve pain like ice does. However, heat will helphealthe inflamed tissues with prolonged application.
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Getting Rid Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Five All
Your carpal tunnel refers to the space in your wrist through which nerves and tendons run between your forearm and hand. Sometimes this space gets closed off and pressure is increased on the nerves passing through the tunnel leading to many possible symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and stiffness in the hand, fingers or forearm. There are many causes of CTS including pregnancy, trauma, repetitive motions involving the wrist and certain diseases. But what it all comes down to is that the space in your wrist gets closed off and the nerves passing through the tunnel get impinged.
The following are some things that you can do to help relieve the symptoms of CTS
1. Modify your activities Make sure you give yourself plenty of breaks and try to keep your wrist in a neutral position with respect to the activity that you are doing. So for example, if excessive typing is causing your CTS, then make sure your keyboard is at such a level that the wrists are straight when typing.
2. Apply ice Many find considerable relief from applying ice to the wrists. Ice works to reduce inflammation and swelling thus providing relief. Apply ice for 15 minutes every 2-3 hours as needed.
3. Take NSAIDs Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can be taken to reduce swelling in the wrist. By reducing the swelling, more space is created in the carpal tunnel, thus taking pressure off of the nerves.
If you or someone you know is suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, we may
Other Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments
Exercise therapy
Some people find that hand and wrist exercises can help with carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. If you see a physiotherapist, they may recommend some of these exercises. Some are simple exercises to improve the strength and flexibility in your wrist. Others, known as nerve glide exercises, specifically aim to help your trapped nerve move more freely. There isnt much good evidence to show that these exercises help though. You shouldnt do any activity that makes your symptoms worse.
Complementary therapies
Some people find acupuncture helps to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. But theres not enough evidence to say for sure that it works.
Some people also find that yoga helps to relieve pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. But again, more research is needed to know for sure.
If you decide to try a complementary therapy, check that your therapist is registered with a recognised organisation.
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Home Remedies You Can Follow
CTS can be relieved by the following home remedies.
-
Rest for at least 2 weeks on your hand and wrist
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The use of vibration management devices
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Use the bracelet to rest the medium nerve
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To do gentle exercises in your hand, finger and wrist
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Massage of elbows, hands and hands wrists
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Work gloves for hands and wrists security
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Using sun to help minimize pain wrist
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Use an ice pack that can also help to decrease swelling
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Incorporate additional tools and handles to make grip easier
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Taking OTCs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
People who test OTC drugs should know that studies have shown that people with CTS symptoms are not completely relieved. The risk of intestinal problems and bleeding may be increased. Talk to a doctor to know whether you need carpel tunnel syndrome treatment surgery.
Visit Neuroscience Specialists in OKC and diagnose yourself to know whether you have CTS. Learn more about carpel tunnel treatment options from our website.
**Disclaimer- Information presented here is not intended to be qualified medical advice. Nothing expressed herein creates a doctor-patient relationship.
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Ergonomic Mice And Keyboards
Unlike regular keyboards and mice, ergonomic keyboards and mice are designed with wrist health in mind.
Ergonomic keyboards look a little bit weird and deformed compared to the regular keyboards. The keys on an ergonomic keyboard are split, so that typing is more comfortable while keeping natural position of your hands.Ergonomic keyboards also have padded wrist rests. Studies have proven that ergonomic keyboards prevent wrist strain.
If you cant get an ergonomic keyboard yet, make sure your normal keyboard lays flat on your desk. Most regular keyboards have little legs but dont use them since the slant makes an unnatural angle for your wrists.
You can also get a special mouse that is healthy for your wrists. If your sore wrists come from gaming, a vertical mouse might be the best idea. A vertically shaped mouse keeps your wrists in the air instead of resting on your desk. Your wrist strain might disappear very fast if you use a mouse that keeps your wrists elevated.
You might also prefer a mouse that is closer to a standard design. Some people find something somewhere in between an ordinary and a vertical mouse to be ideal.
You can also find a mouse that has a trackball on the side, which can improve wrist health as a trackball is easier on your wrists. Another option is a mouse that is similar to a joystick. Joystick shaped mice are also ergonomic and easier on your wrists while being just as good for gaming as ordinary mice.
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Why Is Carpal Tunnel Worse At Night
When it comes to the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, people suffering from it have often witnessed that the condition tends to get worse at night. While it is quite hard to explain exactly why the same happens, it is believed that the same could very well be because of the accumulation of fluids owing to the lack of movements around.
The experts believe that since our body is at rest at night, the same tends to have an affinity of accumulating fluids which further puts excess pressure on the median nerve, thus making the situation worse.
This is the reason why people tend to seek immediate carpal tunnel pain relief at night because it does get worse through the night.
Traditional Treatments For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
More serious cases of carpal tunnel syndrome may require your doctors help.
Your doctor may recommend corticosteroids to lessen your pain and inflammation. These drugs reduce the amount of swelling and pressure placed on the median nerve. Injections are more effective than oral steroids. This therapy may be particularly effective if your CTS is caused by inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Your doctor may also recommend surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve. This typically involves making one or two incisions in the area affected and cutting the ligament involved. This will release the nerve and increase the space around the nerve.
The ligament will eventually grow back, allowing more space for your nerve than there was before. If your CTS is severe, surgery may not clear up your symptoms completely, but it should help you feel better and help prevent any further damage to the nerve.
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Diagnosis Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and your medical history. Theyll want to know when you get symptoms, what triggers them, and how theyre affecting your daily life. Theyll carefully examine both your hands, looking for signs such as swelling or muscle wasting. Theyll also check the feelings in your fingers and thumb. They may carry out some brief tests to check your symptoms. These may include:
- asking you to bend your wrist with your palm towards your forearm
- tapping or pressing over your median nerve on the inside of your wrist
- pressing on the ligament over your carpal tunnel in your wrist
Your GP may be able to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome just by examining you and asking about your symptoms. But sometimes they may ask you to have some further tests. These may include the following.
- Nerve conduction test this can show how bad any damage to your median nerve is.
- Ultrasound this allows your doctor to look inside your wrist, and can help to show if theres any underlying cause.
Massages Streches And Excersices
Just like you can do stretches to prevent your wrists from becoming sore, you can do them to fight the swellness.
However, I can´t recommend any specific exercise as I did in the previous section, your doctor should give you the exercises you need to do based on your specific ailment. If you do any stretch that you find online without research, you might end up tearing a muscle that wasn´t supposed to be moving.
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How Is It Diagnosed
Physical therapists work together with other health care providers to accurately diagnose and treat CTS. Symptoms of CTS are typical. It is often possible to diagnose it without extensive testing. Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine all the factors that may be contributing to your condition.
They will begin by asking you questions to gather information about your health history and condition. The interview will become more specific to the symptoms of CTS. They may be helped by forms you fill out before your first session. Your physical therapist may ask you:
- Did you experience an injury to the area?
- If so, how did your injury occur?
- Do you perform repeated tasks for your work, or for sport?
- How have you taken care of the condition, such as seeing other health care providers? Have you had imaging or other tests, and received their results?
- What are your current symptoms, and how have they changed your activities?
- Do you have pain. If so, where and how intense is your pain? Does pain vary during the day?
- Do you have trouble doing any activities? What activities are you unable to do?
This information lets the physical therapist better understand what you are experiencing and helps to determine the course of your physical exam.
Several tests may be used to help diagnose or rule out CTS, including:
In some cases, your physical therapist may refer you to a doctor or other health care provider for additional testing or treatment.
Professional Orthopaedic Associates: Get Back To A Life Without Limits
Since 1985, we have been offering excellence in orthopaedic and sports medicine care. Our fellowship-trained doctors specializing in the hand, wrist, or elbow, Dr. Harry Bade, Dr. Christopher Johnson, Dr. David Gentile, and Dr. Allen Nicholson, have years of expertise in diagnosing and treating complex hand, elbow, and wrist injuries and conditions. They draw from this combined knowledge base to bring the very best to our patients.
Additionally, they value and are committed to ongoing professional education. Our wrist, elbow, and hand surgeons attend courses and proactively learn the latest procedures and surgical techniques for wrist conditions, elbow injuries, and hand issues. They also serve as thought leaders, lecturing and writing about orthopaedic treatment and care. Our specialty-trained wrist surgeons, hand doctors, and elbow specialists are some of the most highly respected in our region.
To consult with one of our hand, wrist, or elbow doctors, please call 530-4949. We have offices conveniently located in Tinton Falls, Toms River, and Freehold.
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How Do Chiropractors Treat Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
- Adjusting the wrist, arm, and upper spine: A subluxation in the spine can often be the cause of carpal tunnel symptoms. This means that you may have the symptoms of carpal tunnel because of nerve interference in your neck or upper back. Only a doctor can determine if the source of your symptoms stem from your spine or reside in your wrist. Our Kansas City doctors of chiropractic use chiropractic adjustments to correct misalignments in the spine and restore motion to joints that are locked up. Chiropractors also examine and treat the wrist and arm. After a thorough examination we can determine the source of your symptoms. Our goal is to offer relief from carpal tunnel symptoms, naturally, if at all possible.
- Physical Therapy and Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses high-energy or low-energy sound that emits focused sound waves that penetrate deep into body tissue. These sound waves can relax tightened muscles, alleviate hand and wrist pain, and reduce inflammation in injured joints.
- Wrist supports: Wrist supports help to keep the wrist in proper alignment.
What Kind Of Physical Therapist Do I Need
All physical therapists are prepared through education and experience to treat a variety of conditions, including CTS. However, you may want to consider:
- A physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with arm and hand disorders and one who has experience in ergonomics and work site evaluations. Ergonomics involves understanding the fit between the person, their equipment, and their environment.
- A physical therapist who is a certified hand therapist, or CHT.
- A physical therapist who is a board-certified clinical specialist or who has completed a residency or fellowship in orthopedic physical therapy. This physical therapist has advanced knowledge, experience, and skills that may apply to your condition.
You can find physical therapists who have these and other credentials by using Find a PT, the online tool built by the American Physical Therapy Association to help you search for physical therapists with specific clinical expertise in your geographic area.
General tips when you are looking for a physical therapist:
- Get recommendations from family, friends, other health care providers.
- When you contact a physical therapy clinic for an appointment, ask about the physical therapistâs experience in helping people with CTS.
- Be prepared to describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible, and describe what makes your symptoms worse.
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Physical Therapy After Surgery
If the evaluation reveals that your CTS is more severe, or if your symptoms persist, your physical therapist may refer you to consult with a surgeon. If surgery is needed, the surgeon will release the band of tissue that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. This will decrease the pressure on the median nerve.
Physical therapy treatment is important after surgery to:
- Prevent scar tissue formation.
- Help restore strength to the wrist.
- Help you learn to change habits that may have led to symptoms in the first place.
Your physical therapy treatment after surgery may include:
- Scar management to keep the skin supple and flexible.
- Exercises to glide the nerve within the healing tunnel.
- Stretching exercises to improve mobility of the wrist and fingers and improve function.
- Strengthening exercises to improve the strength of the wrist and hand muscles and improve function.
- Education about proper posture and wrist position to avoid carpal tunnel compression in home/leisure activities.
- A work site visit or mock-up to show you proper workstation set-up. This can help with posture and positions to prevent CTS from recurring. It also can reduce your risk for developing other nerve injuries.
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