The Anatomy
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in your wrist, becomes compressed. This tunnel is made up of small bones called carpal bones and a ligament known as the transverse carpal ligament. The median nerve controls sensation and movement in your thumb and first three fingers. Finger tendons also run through the tunnel alongside the median nerve.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your thumb and fingers
Pain or discomfort in your wrist, hand, or forearm
Weakness or clumsiness in your hand, making it difficult to grasp objects
These symptoms often worsen at night or when you're using your hand and wrist repetitively.
Causes
Carpal tunnel syndrome is typically caused by factors that increase pressure on the median nerve, such as:
Repetitive wrist motions or gripping that cause in increase in swelling around the wrist
Pregnancy or hormonal changes
Health conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disorders
Wrist injuries or bone spurs that increase swelling or change the shape of the tunnel
Other tendonitis injuries that cause swelling in the wrist area
Treatments
At Riverina Hand Therapy, we offer a range of treatments to help manage carpal tunnel syndrome and support your recovery. These include;
Night Splinting
Wearing a wrist splint at night can help keep your wrist in a neutral position, reducing pressure on the median nerve and alleviating symptoms.
Swelling Management
We can recommend strategies to reduce swelling and these can be as simple as a compression sleeve at night to help move swelling out of the hand and wrist area.
Exercise and Tendon Gliding
We'll guide you through gentle exercises and tendon gliding techniques to improve your hand's flexibility and function. Gliding of tendons can help to move the fluid from the wrist and alleviate the carpal tunnel symptoms.
Sensory Review
As your symptoms improve, we'll monitor your progress with regular sensory reviews to ensure your recovery is on track. Some people find that their numbness or altered sensation impacts on their ability to do the things they need or love, such as holding a cup of tea. We can perform a sensation assessment and measure this over time to track your improvements.
Rebuilding Strength
Once your symptoms have settled, we'll work with you to strengthen your hand and wrist muscles, helping you regain full functionality and prevent future issues.
At Riverina Hand Therapy, we're committed to providing personalised, expert care in a friendly and caring environment. Our range of services, including scar tissue treatment and custom splints, cater to all ages and needs. Trust us to guide you on your journey to recovery.