Putting Pain to Rest: Exploring Carpal Tunnel Treatment Options

Carpal tunnel treatment decompresses the median nerve to restore strength and mobility to the wrist and hand, alleviating associated pain and discomfort. A physical therapist will personalize treatment for each patient. However, knowing the basics of carpal tunnel syndrome and how a physical therapist treats it can make the process smoother.

Understanding carpal tunnel syndrome

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, carpal tunnel syndrome is a type of compressed nerve pain that affects the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. The carpal ligament on top of the wrist and the carpal bones on the bottom form this so-called tunnel. When it compresses the median nerve, the following symptoms may result:

• Numbness and weakness, particularly when trying to grip
• Burning or tingling in all fingers except the pinky
• Pain and discomfort that often worsens at night

Note that carpal tunnel syndrome results from a combination of factors. Repetitive movements and wrist overuse, such as while working on a computer, are often big ones. Other factors include wrist sprains and strains, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, blood sugar fluctuations, and hormone changes like menopause. Some patients simply have a smaller carpal tunnel, which makes it easier to compress the median nerve.

Types of carpal tunnel treatment

A physical therapist can help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome through several treatments. During a consultation, they can create a custom plan to address and minimize the patient's symptoms. Often, this will involve a combination of two or more of the following carpal tunnel treatments:

Exercises and stretches

A physical therapist will likely recommend exercises and stretches designed to decompress the median nerve, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and restore mobility to the affected wrist and hand. As per Medical News Today, these may include wrist extensions, which open the wrist joint, and flexions, which close the joint. Other examples include wrist lifts, stretching the wrist with weights, and hand squeezes (such as with a stress ball).

It is important to consult a physical therapist to determine which exercises and stretches would most effectively relieve one's symptoms. They can help patients avoid moving too fast and causing further injury to the wrist. More specifically, they will develop a plan that starts at a beginner level and gradually becomes more difficult as the wrist improves.

Anti-inflammatory medication

Carpal tunnel treatment can use a wide range of medications. While physical therapists cannot prescribe them, they may recommend steroid injections or over-the-counter oral medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. In some cases, the physical therapist may recommend that the patient see a medical doctor about prescription medications. This typically applies if an underlying condition, such as menopause, is contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome. The physical therapist will continue to develop and deliver a treatment plan that complements medical treatment for the underlying condition.

Wrist splints

Splints keep the wrist in a straight position to prevent overextension and reduce nerve pressure. A physical therapist may advise a patient to wear a wrist splint while sleeping or during activities that worsen carpal tunnel pain, such as computer work or crocheting. They can help patients choose from the many splints available.

Ergonomics

If wrist overuse and repetitive motions are major contributing factors to a patient's carpal tunnel pain, a physical therapist will recommend making some adjustments to improve ergonomics. Ergonomics means setting up the workspace so it is more comfortable for workers. However, it is important to make sure all spaces a person spends a lot of time in are comfortable.

For instance, getting a split keyboard, wrist guard, or wider, lower computer mouse can ease carpal tunnel symptoms throughout the workday. Similar changes can be made to the home and hobby workspaces. It may be something as simple as replacing pens, pencils, and kitchen utensils with ones that have wider grips. A physical therapist can discuss which items a patient may need to find an ergonomic alternative for in an appointment.

Surgery

When severe, carpal tunnel syndrome may require surgery to remove the tissue compressing the median nerve. In these cases, the physical therapist would help with one's recovery after surgery. They will develop an exercise plan and potentially recommend other treatments mentioned above to help the wrist heal and regain mobility.

Speak to a physical therapist about carpal tunnel treatment

When wrist pain from carpal tunnel syndrome continues to get in the way, visit a physical therapist at Orange County Physical Therapy OCPT. Our team will create a customized plan to help ease your symptoms. Call us today to learn more about carpal tunnel treatment in Newport Beach and the surrounding areas.

Request an appointment here: https://ocptclinic.com or call Orange County Physical Therapy OCPT at (949) 299-0297for an appointment in our Newport Beach office.

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