Non-Surgical Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Due to popular request, this months edition of the newsletter is a reprint of the April 2008 issue. What are the signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 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 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 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, 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 have told me, I figured nothing could be done except surgery, so I put it off as long as I could. Bad idea! If caught early, we can prevent nerve damage; however, 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! What causes carpal tunnel syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome has many possible causes. 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 limit 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 treatments are available Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that wont go away? If your symptoms persist over time and slowly get worse, you should talk to your doctor. Usually, the symptoms are mild at first and come and go, then as time goes by they get more intense and frequent. If you see this pattern, you need to do something. We have the Dynasplint Carpal Tunnel System, a 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 youd like more information, 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. Ask your doctor for a referral or give us a call. Get relief now! |
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