What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist made up of bones and ligaments, and when things get a bit crowded in there, it can lead to symptoms such as:

What are some symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome has a way of making its presence known. Common symptoms include:

• Numbness or Tingling: This is predominantly felt in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.

• Weakness: Your grip strength may feel like it has taken a bit of a vacation, with muscles in the hand feeling like they’re lacking power.

• Pain or Discomfort: You might experience aching or pain in your hand, wrist, or forearm. It's usually a persistent ache that won't let up, reminding you that something's not quite right.

• Night Symptoms: Symptoms are often worsen at night, and you might wake up with a familiar tingling sensation. It's like your hand is trying to stage a late-night protest when you'd rather be catching some Zs.

• Burning Sensation: Some people with carpal tunnel syndrome describe a burning sensation in their hand. It's like your hand has decided to warm up on its own.

What activities aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn't appreciate certain activities that put extra stress on the wrist and exacerbate the compression of the median nerve. Here are some activities that can aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome:

1. Repetitive Hand Movements: Engaging in activities that involve repeated hand and wrist movements, such as typing, using a computer mouse, or playing musical instruments, can contribute to irritation.

2. Prolonged Wrist Flexion: Keeping the wrist bent for extended periods, like when using a computer keyboard with poor ergonomics, can increase pressure on the median nerve. It's like subjecting your wrist to a continuous squeeze.

3. Vibrations: Regular exposure to vibrating tools or machinery can contribute to the development or worsening of carpal tunnel symptoms. It's like your wrist is caught in a shaky rollercoaster ride.

4. Forceful or Gripping Activities: Activities that involve forceful or prolonged gripping, such as using hand tools or holding heavy objects, can contribute to compression of the median nerve. It's like asking your wrist to bear a heavier load than it's comfortable with.

5. Awkward Hand Positions: Performing tasks with the wrist in awkward or extreme positions can contribute to pressure on the median nerve. It's like putting your wrist in a challenging yoga pose it wasn't prepared for.

If you suspect you have carpal tunnel syndrome or are experiencing symptoms, it's essential to modify these activities and seek guidance from someone on your healthcare team. They can provide recommendations on ergonomic adjustments, exercises, and other interventions to help alleviate symptoms and prevent further aggravation. It's like finding the right balance to keep your wrist comfortable and happy.

What are some risk factors for developing carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome isn't always a matter of chance—it has its preferences and tends to be more attracted to certain risk factors. Some factors that may increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome include:

1. Repetitive Hand Use: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as typing, assembly line work, or using vibrating tools, can up the risk.

2. Prolonged Awkward Wrist Positions: Maintaining awkward wrist positions, especially those involving flexion or extension, for extended periods can contribute to compression of the median nerve.

3. Wrist Conditions: Conditions that affect the wrist, like arthritis or fractures, can increase the likelihood of carpal tunnel syndrome. It's like creating a welcoming environment for unwanted guests.

4. Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders, are associated with an increased risk. It's like carpal tunnel syndrome getting a plus-one to the party from these conditions.

5. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can affect the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

6. Obesity: Carrying excess weight can increase pressure on the median nerve, contributing to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

7. Genetics: There might be a genetic component, with some individuals having a predisposition to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Recognizing these risk factors can be the first step in implementing preventive measures and seeking early intervention if needed.

Do I have carpal tunnel syndrome if I have tingling in my hand?

Tingling in your hand can be a symptom of various conditions, and while carpal tunnel syndrome is one possibility, it's not the only one. Tingling can also be associated with issues like poor circulation or other nerves being compressed in the wrist or higher up in the forearm, elbow, shoulder or neck.

How do you treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

Some common treatment approaches used by the practitioners at Mountain Health and Performance include:

• Myofascial work like Active Release Technique (ART) or Functional Range Release (FRR) is like offering your wrists a targeted massage to address tension and discomfort. These techniques can be applied to the muscles and fascia surrounding the wrist and forearm, aiming to alleviate symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome by releasing tension, improving circulation, and enhancing range of motion.

• Laser Therapy: Laser therapy can be applied to the affected area with the aim of reducing pain and inflammation and promoting tissue healing.

• Rest and Modification of Activities: It's like giving your wrists a break. Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms and taking regular breaks can help.

• Exercise/Rehab: Specific exercises and stretches can help improve wrist strength and flexibility. Some movement can also be incorporated to mobilize the nerve through the carpal tunnel, providing symptomatic relief.

• Ergonomic Changes: Modifying your workspace or using ergonomic tools can reduce strain on your wrists to create a carpal tunnel-friendly environment.

• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the median nerve.

• Wrist Splints: Wearing a wrist splint at night or during activities that aggravate symptoms can provide support and relieve pressure on the median nerve.

• Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the carpal tunnel can provide temporary relief from symptoms. It's like a targeted dose of comfort directly to the affected area.

• Surgery (Carpal Tunnel Release): In severe cases or when conservative measures fail, surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

The best approach often involves a combination of these treatments tailored to your specific situation. If you suspect you have carpal tunnel syndrome, the practitioners at Mountain Health and Performance would be happy to consult with you to help determine the most suitable treatment plan for your condition.