Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is relatively common, particularly with older age, and usually feels like numbness in the palms of the hands. Some people will also have difficulty using the muscles in their hands and will lose dexterity with things like typing, handwriting, and manipulating small objects. Symptoms associated with carpal tunnel can often be decreased by shaking your hands, and can be more prevalent in those with more ‘square’-shaped wrists. Some people confuse carpal tunnel syndrome with cervical radiculopathy (see previous blog post about cervical radiculopathy), because they can both result in numbness in the hands and fingers. However, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, rest assured that there are some options for treatment:

Use night splints: Wearing hard splints at night that keep your wrists in a neutral position can help decrease or abolish the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, perhaps by decreasing the mechanical compression on your median nerve, the nerve associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Consider finding ‘carpal tunnel night splints’ on Amazon, or at your local pharmacy like CVS, or Walgreen’s.

Physical Therapy: Physical Therapy has shown to provide relief and abolish symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatment may involve hands-on manual therapy, similar to massage, as well as nerve gliding exercises and exercises for your neck, as the nerves that are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome originate from your neck.

Anti-inflammatory medications: Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can be used to facilitate decreased symptoms related to carpal tunnel syndrome. Discuss with a healthcare provider that is familiar to you regarding the use of anti-inflammatory medications and with a physician regarding the need for prescription medications.

Surgery: Surgery—the big “S” word, sounds scary? While there are general risks associated with any kind of surgery, the relative outcome following carpal tunnel surgery is generally very good. It is important, however, to make sure that you truly have carpal tunnel syndrome, and not another nerve entrapment that mimics the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Clinical examination by a skilled healthcare professional and electromyograms (EMGs) are the best options if you wish to ensure that your symptoms are arising from carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you have interest in discussing how to best manage your carpal tunnel syndrome, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Paskewitz at (609)-751-1807, or by email at jeff.paskewitz@jpptfitness.com