03 Jun Hand Feeling Numb? It could be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Many people wake up with hand numbness, often in their thumb, index, middle, and part of their ring fingers on the palm side of their hand, or they complain about an ache or sharp pains in their hand, wrist or forearm that wake them at night. Some people say that they feel clumsy and drop thing; they also complain of difficulty opening jars or holding their phone because of a weak grip. Others have problems with fine motor tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or picking up coins. These problems may be signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve passing through the wrist is pinched or compressed. The carpal tunnel is a narrow pathway connecting the arm to the hand in which nine tendons and the median nerve are surrounded by an inflexible bony bracelet. The carpal tunnel is comprised of the carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The most commonly accepted explanation is that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by a combination of events or situations. Some people have a narrower space for a carpal tunnel and therefore are more likely to have pressure on the median nerve. Injury to the wrist from a sprain or fracture can cause swelling in the carpal tunnel, resulting in compression to the nerve. Other factors, such as arthritis, thyroid disease, diabetes, pregnancy, repeated use of vibratory tools (e.g. jackhammer or drill) or prolonged extreme bending of the wrist can all result in nerve irritation, causing symptoms of carpal tunnel.
When to See a Doctor for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
When tingling or numbness begins to limit function where you are unable to hold onto things, or if your symptoms are chronic, lasting 2-3 months; or if symptoms suddenly worsen, it is time to see your doctor. Dealing with carpal tunnel concerns early improves the potential for full recovery. The longer the nerve is compressed, the greater the chance for permanent damage.
Physicians can order several diagnostic tests that can help confirm specifically what is occurring with the peripheral nerves by looking at the electrical activity of the nerves and the muscles. Two tests commonly used are a Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG).
How Can a Certified Hand Therapist Help Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can help reduce the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel by first performing a complete evaluation to determine the main cause of the problem. The CHT might recommend a custom splint be fabricated to be worn at night to keep the wrist in a safe position or during the day for activities that might irritate the nerve.
A CHT can provide patient education and recommendations for modifications to reduce symptoms during activities of daily living, work tasks, and recreational activities. A CHT may also recommend specific exercises to help in the recovery by diminishing the symptoms or with prevention of future Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurrences. The primary goal with hand therapy is to minimize the occurrence of symptoms and improve quality of life of the patient so they can resume the daily tasks they once enjoyed.