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Common Conditions
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves a compression or swelling of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is formed by wrist bones and soft tissue, creating a semi-circular space. The tunnel acts to protect and contain 2 tendons to each finger and one tendon to the thumb (9 tendons in total), as well as the median nerve.
Nerve irritation at this site contributes to symptoms of altered sensation and tingling, pain and weakness to the structures in the hand normally supplied by the median nerve. An increase in load to the tendons or by additional fluid/inflammation in this space can cause these median nerve symptoms.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is more likely to occur in people with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, or during pregnancy when fluid retention is common (Genova et al., 2020). Wrist position and repetitive gripping tasks can also contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Common
Symptoms
- Numbness, aching or pins and needles primarily to the thumb, index and middle fingers. This is typically worse at nights.
- Thumb weakness or wasting to thumb muscles.
- Difficulties holding/gripping objects. Frequent dropping of items may occur.
How Can Our Hand Therapists Help?
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be very effectively managed and treated. If mild nerve irritation is present, symptoms can be expected to improve over a few sessions of hand therapy.
Chronic symptoms of carpal tunnel can lead to progressive muscle weakness as insufficient nutrition reaches structures over the thumb and hand. In these cases, a combination of surgical and therapy-based treatment is commonly needed. If indicated we can direct your care to an Adelaide surgeon of best fit for you and any onward referrals accordingly.
Interesting Fact
The Median nerve travels the length of your arm from your neck to finger tips. Moving your neck to one side can cause a small amount of movement in your nerve at the carpal tunnel.
Repetitive use of a computer mouse holding your wrist in a bent position, is known as one risk factor for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome (Jovanović, S., & Šimunič, B, 2021).
Reference:
Genova, A., Dix, O., Saefan, A., Thakur, M., & Hassan, A. (2020). Carpal tunnel syndrome: a review of literature. Cureus, 12(3). Doi:10.7759/cureus.7333
Jovanović, S., & Šimunič, B. (2021). Effect of ergonomic Armrest® forearm support on wrist posture related to carpal tunnel pressure during computer mouse work. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 86, 103220.
Examples of
Solutions to Try
- Opportunities for periodic rest during repetitive gripping and sustained activities involving a bent wrist (eg. prolonged computer use).
- Stretch out your arms in a slow rhythmic motion (as if you are hugging someone) – this helps to gently glide your nerve, optimising movement.
- Minimise any vibration forces in everyday activities by using softened grips. For example, have a cover around the steering wheel or use silicone-handled gardening tools.
While these are general examples, our hand therapists will help match solutions best suited to your condition and specific needs.
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