Carpal tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy caused by compression of the Median Nerve as it travels through the wrist’s carpal tunnel, which results from an increased pressure in the carpal tunnel.
The most common causes of CTS include genetic tendencies, high load of wrist / fingers movements such as repetitive use, typing, or machine work etc.
Contributing factors can be diabetes, obesity hypothyroidism, wrist fracture, autoimmune disorders such as rehumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy.
The condition ususally starts with tingling or numbness in the distribution of the Median nerve, which can get aggravated by gripping or wrist / fingers static and repetitive load (driving / computer work / using screwdriver / etc). The symptoms may become more noticable, and even constantas the condition progresses.
The final stage of the CTS is symptoms of weakness and loass of muscle mass of certain muscles of the hand. These combined effects of sensory motor presentation may result in a complaint of clumsiness and loss of grip and pinch strength or dropping things.
At Activate Physiotherapy our physios conduct a full assessment to diagnose this condition and rule out other conditions.
If this is identified early, than patients can benefit from Physiotherapy management that often includes a combination of Manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education regarding self management techniques and activity modification.
It is important to note that if this condition does not resolve with conservative mangement, or if it is worsening, you swill be referred by us to a specialist for further evaluation and recommendation for other possible interventions, such as injections / surgery.
This is why we keep reassessing your progression as we go, and make modifications to our plan as needed.