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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve which moves through a tunnel-like structure in the wrist joint. This condition usually has symptoms of pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation in your arms and hands. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome needs immediate attention and treatment, if ignored, it can become chronic and worsen over time. If pressure on your median nerve isn’t relieved, it can then lead to irreversible damage. Chiropractors in Cincinnati have success treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with a more conservative and gentle approach.

Credentials

WHAT IS THE CARPAL TUNNEL?

Carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel-like passageway that is found in your wrists. It contains carpal bones that are on the sides and the floor of the tunnel.

The purpose of the carpal tunnel is to protect the flexor tendons as well as the median nerve that causes the bending of the thumb in the fingers. The carpal tunnel roof consists of a strong connective-tissue band known as the transverse carpal ligament. Since the space is narrow, the carpal tunnel has a limited capacity for its stretching.

The median nerve begins as a branch of brachial plexus in our arm and as it reaches our hands it passes the carpal tunnel in the wrist. It is responsible for the muscle movement in our thumbs.

SYMPTOMS OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

  • Shock-like sensations in the thumb, ring finger, index and the middle finger
  • Numbness and weakness in hands
  • Loss of proprioception
  • Burning, pain and tingling in the ring finger, middle, index finger and thumb
  • Radiating pain or a tingling sensation towards the forearm or the shoulder

Although, Carpal tunnel syndrome is gradual with a slow onset, it is known to worsen over time.

CAUSES OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

There are many ways that lead to carpal tunnel syndrome in Cincinnati. Studies have shown that people of older age and females are more likely to be infected with this condition.

More risk factors include:

  • Repetitive use of the same wrist or hand
  • Hormonal changes due to pregnancy
  • Position off your hands and wrists that involves extreme extension or flexion for longer periods
  • Hereditary factor

Health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, imbalance of the thyroid gland, and diabetes mellitus can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

LONG TERM PROBLEMS DUE TO IGNORING CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Ignoring your carpal tunnel syndrome condition can develop into a chronic condition, which can have the following symptoms:

  • Lack of coordination in thumb or fingers
  • Numbness
  • Weakness and thumb or fingers
  • Excruciating pain

TEMPORARY PAIN RELIEF FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

There are a many pain relief measures that can temporarily help you with your carpal tunnel syndrome. You can find relief from your symptoms by soaking your wrist in an ice bath or place an ice pack on your wrist. You can use this remedy for a maximum of 15 minutes every two hours.

If you have trouble sleeping because of severe pain, you can try to either hang your wrist over the side of the bed, try to shake it off, or simply rest it gently to find relief.

TREATMENT FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

In Cincinnati, Ohio there are two approaches to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. These may include:

Nonsurgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Nerve gliding exercises
  • Splinting or bracing
  • Changing positions and activities of your wrists
  • Steroidal injections
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Open carpal tunnel release
  • Endoscope carpal tunnel release

DOES MEDICAL INSURANCE COVER TREATMENT OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?

Your medical insurance might help cover your carpal tunnel syndrome treatment.

DOES CRACKING YOUR KNUCKLES CAUSE DAMAGE?

It has not been proven to be either beneficial or harmful. Because of this, knuckle cracking is not likely to cause any harm.

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Let Us Help Treat Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Don’t ignore your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, as it can become worse over time. It’s important to consult with a doctor and understand the root cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome FAQ

The purpose of a wrist brace is to keep your wrist in a straight and resting position. A study was done in 2012 which revealed that wrist braces were more effective at night time in relieving carpal tunnel syndrome without any treatment.

Wrist braces may also be worn throughout the day while resuming daily activities.

If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can become a chronic condition. Usually many people in Cincinnati, Ohio ignore their condition which can lead to worsening of the symptoms like:

  • Excruciating pain
  • Numbness
  • Loss of proprioception
  • The weakness of hands and fingers
  • Tingling sensation in hands and arms

To check yourself for carpal tunnel syndrome in Cincinnati, Ohio, you can conduct a wrist flexion test on yourself. This requires you to flex your wrist while pointing your fingers downwards as they’re pressed by the back of your fingers and hands. Remain in this position for the next one or two minutes. If your fingers have a numbness or tingling sensation, then you are likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome.

Many jobs can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome in Cincinnati, Ohio:

  • Hairdresser
  • Cashier
  • Typist
  • Nitter
  • Sewer

These jobs have repetitive movements of the wrist that may lead into carpal tunnel syndrome.

Warning signs for carpal tunnel syndrome can include:

  • Numbness in hands
  • Pain in hands
  • Distortion of muscles of the thumb
  •  Tingling sensation in hands
  • Shoulder pain
  • A shocking feeling that affects the thumb or fingers

The following remedies may help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome:

  • Prevent repetitive movements of the wrist and hand
  • Don’t sleep with your rest in a bent position
  • Use larger joints for lifting
  • Relax your hand grip
  • Avoid additional stress on fingers, hands, and wrists
  • Do not hold objects for a longer time period
  • Refrain from activities that cause discomfort, pain, and numbness to your wrists or hands
  • Take breaks during your work activity
  • Prevent using jackhammers
  • Have a neutral position for your wrist

It has been proven that massage therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome has been an effective treatment that works in the long term. It is a non-invasive process and cost-effective. Massage therapy can help reduce feelings of numbness and pain as well as lengthens and softens the muscles of your hand, wrists, forearm, elbow, upper arm, shoulder, and neck.

This syndrome can last up to six months without relief. Depending on the severity, it can be more.

Many factors can lead to a carpal tunnel flare up, these may include:

  • Stress
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Use of tools that vibrate
  • Trauma
  • Overuse or repeated use of hands or wrists
  • Thyroid problems
  • Fluid retention during pregnancy

The pressure point that may relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is acupressure point P6 also known as Pericardium 6. It can be found below your wrist and in your inner forearm; beneath your three fingers and in the middle of your tendons. A Cincinnati Acupuncturist can help treat your carpal tunnel syndrome

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Content reviewed by

DR. JEFFREY ADAM METZGER
Author