Heard about carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) ?
💡Carpals are bones distributed in two rows in our wrist joint. In between the wrist and hand there are 3 nerves that help us with our day to day function.
💡The nerve that supplies the first and second finger and palm, wrist and hand is called Median nerve , the tunnel this nerve passes through is called carpal tunnel.
💡 If you get pins and needles in your hands , fingers and they get numb at night when you are asleep this could be carpal tunnel🧐
🫱Causes
⌨️ Typing, writing, extensive mouse use etc
⚙️ Use of heavy machinery, vibration tools , repetitive wrist and hand bending .
🤌 Any activity that involves bending your hand and wrist constantly can cause inflammation resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome.
🧐 Investigations
Contact your healthcare professional 🩺
They will do tests to confirm this syndrome , if symptoms worsen they can refer you to get EMG +NCV studies that test the nerve function in your hand and wrist.
🫱Management
🤜 Exercises to reduce pressure on this area helps reduce these symptoms.
👉🏼 Carpal tunnel splint when worn at night can reduce the compression and help you get a good night sleep 😴
💊 Use of short term anti inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or prescribed naproxen may help.
💉 If the symptoms continue and there is no benefit with the conservative approach then steroid injection can help too.
👩⚕️ However if you have no relief from the above measures and there is power loss in your hand with muscle wasting then surgery is indicated.
💡Prevention
✅ Break your regular activity into chunks
✅ Stretch your hand and wrist regularly
✅ Use a squeezy ball to improve your grip
✅ Use an ergonomic mouse and support your hands on arm rest if you are sedentary.
If not sure please contact us for assessment, advice and injection