Carpal tunnel syndrome
WHAT IS IT?
Right over the wrist of the hand lies the transverse 
carpal ligament, which compares to a bracelet which makes its way around the wrist. The carpal tunnel is the narrow space located between the transverse ligament and the wrist bones. Inside the carpal tunnel run a variety of structures, including the median nerve (see image on the right).
Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by a narrowing of the carpal tunnel, causing a compression of the median nerve.
The median nerve is responsible for the innervations of the wrist and a specific area of the hand. Thus, the symptoms that accompany a carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Numbness and/or tingling in some fingers (the ring and the little finger of the hand are usually spared), which can propagate into the wrist and sometimes the forearm
- Decreased sensation in two or more fingers
- A burning pain also localized to the fingers of the hand but which can spread all the way to the elbow
- A decrease in the strength and muscle control of the fingers (especially the thumb), causing difficulty in grasping objects
RISK FACTORS:
A combination of factors may cause a reduction of the space and thus an increase in the pressure in the carpal tunnel. These include:
- Repetitive movements of the wrist and forearm (i.e. gardening, video games, golf, and needlework), or movements soliciting the muscles of the wrist or hand
- A job requiring the use of vibrating tools or prolonged period of computer work
- Pregnancy, menopause and certain medical conditions (such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes) may increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome
WHAT DO PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENTS CONSIST OF?
Physiotherapy treatments will usually be carried out in addition to the medical treatments provided by your physician which, depending on the case, may consist of an anti-inflammatory prescription, an immobilization of the wrist in a splint, or even surgery. In physiotherapy, treatments will aim to reduce the compression at the carpal tunnel and to reduce the pain and inflammation. This will be done with the use of electrotherapy modalities (such as ultrasound or TENS), contrast baths, ice and proper education regarding the activities that may worsen your condition and thus that should be avoided for the time being. Then, your therapist will use a wide array of manual therapy and myofascial release techniques, and will prescribe effective stretching and muscle strengthening exercises specific to the wrist.
Therefore, please consult a Forcephysio physiotherapist as soon as possible for a quick recovery!
