Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling and weakness in your hand due to increased pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. The median nerve, along with several other structures enter the wrist region through a small space created in your wrist by a series of wrist bones, muscles and tendons. The median nerve is responsible for movement, sensation and power in the thumb and the first three fingers. The little finger is not controlled by the Median nerve.
What causes carpal tunnel?
Pressure on the median nerve causes this. This pressure can come from anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller. Such as:
- Repetitive use of wrist (RSI)
- Swelling – Pre or post pregnancy / after having a fall or accident / overuse of wrist
- Arthritis
- Abnormal bone growth
Symptoms:
Common symptoms include:
- Pain of varying degree – usually worse at night
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Weakness
Diagnosis:
Scans and X-rays are not required immediately. A Physiotherapist will go through a series of wrist and upper limb movements, muscle strength tests and other nerve compression tests to diagnose and treat condition.
Exercises:
Contact:
If you are suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, give Physiotherapy Professionals Parramatta a call and have you wrist assessed. You can email us on [email protected] or call our clinic number 0479 080 800 for further information.