Non-Surgical Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment What are the signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? How do you know if you might have a problem? Symptoms usually start gradually, with occasional burning, tingling, itching, or numbness in the palm side of the hand and fingers, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Some of our patients with carpal tunnel syndrome say their fingers feel useless and swollen even though little or no swelling can be seen. These symptoms usually start first in one or both hands at night. A person may wake up and start shaking their hands to try to get the tingling or numbness to go away, or try hanging their hand and arm down over the side of the bed. As the disease progresses, patients may begin to feel tingling during the day while driving or gripping. Many people complain of not being able to pick up coins, fumbling with their shirt buttons, or having difficulty sewing. People at work are frustrated with dropping things or the weakness of their grip. In severe cases that go untreated for too long, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away. Some people begin to have difficulty telling the difference between hot and cold. Unfortunately, many patients that become severe have told me, I figured nothing could be done except surgery, so I put it off as long as I could. Bad idea! The reason this is not a good idea is that, if caught early, we can prevent nerve damage. Once a nerve fiber is destroyed, nothing can bring it back: not surgery, or therapy either. So pay attention to your body and listen up! Numbness in the hands is not a normal sign of the aging process. What causes carpal tunnel syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome has many factors that can bring it about. Any injury or disease that can cause swelling can be a contributing factor, such as: Sprained or fractured wrist Overactive pituitary gland Underactive thyroid Rheumatoid arthritis Diabetes Vibrating tools Operating heavy equipment Pregnancy Menopause Cyst or tumor Repetitious use of the hands for such activities as gardening, home repairs, cleaning, typing, and work activities may all be contributing factors as well. Obesity too increases the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, as do certain medications such as oral contraceptives. What can be done to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome? Any underlying cause should be corrected or controlled. For example, medicine can be given to control diabetes and you can control your sugar intake to control symptoms. Overuse of the hands should be avoided. A variety of activities is the key. Workers whose motions are prolonged and repetitious are at risk, and heavy grasping also increases carpal tunnel pressure. Using job rotation to alternate duties between warehouse workers in charge of lifting and carrying with workers on the line doing repetitive activities can help. Tool handles should be on the larger side: about 1½ in diameter is ideal; larger-sized pens help, too. When using the computer, the home space bar on the keyboard should be at sitting elbow height, and make sure to get up and stretch at least once every hour. What are the treatments for a case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that wont go away? If your symptoms persist over time and slowly get worse, you should talk to your doctor about the problem. Usually, the symptoms are mild at first and come and go. As time goes by, the symptoms get more intense and frequent. If you see this pattern, you need to do something. We are currently offering the Dynasplint Carpal Tunnel System, a brand new device that was in research and development for five years. Placed on the hand, this system gradually and painlessly stretches the transcarpal ligament at the wrist, releasing the pressure and reducing or eliminating numbness, tingling and pain in the wrist, hand and fingers. It is done as part of a very successful therapy program that includes stretching, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. Surgery is reserved as a last resort. If you would like more information, please visit www.tristatehand.com and click on the picture of the hand with the Dynasplint Carpal Tunnel System. If you have numbness or tingling and pain of the wrist and hand, we can help. Try therapy first and discover a great non-surgical way to get relief. Call TriState Hand & Occupational Therapy at 301-759-4263 and get back to normal living and sleeping. We can help handle your problem. You can ask your doctor for a referral or give us a call. Get your problem handled today! |
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