Management And Treatment Methods For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – What You Need To Know

Before diving into the treatment options, we need to discuss what carpal tunnel syndrome is. Located at the base of your hand is a narrow passage that is constructed with bones and ligaments. The passage transmits 9 tendons along with the Median Nerve.

Management And Treatment Methods For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Now, coming to the mechanism involved in the CTS or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. A specific combination of symptoms can be noticed when the tunnel, especially the nine tendons experience inflammation, and the median nerve becomes entrapped due to swollen tissues.

Thus, these symptoms give rise to the carpal tunnel syndrome. U.S residents suffer a great deal from this syndrome. The compression of the Median Nerve near the carpal tunnel is mainly to be blamed for the occurrence of the syndrome, the symptoms of which include pain, tingling sensation or numbness in the first three fingers of the hand and the thumb.

Can carpal tunnel syndrome be curbed, treated and managed?

You can avail treatment for the syndrome and manage pain through therapy and rehabilitation. However, for severe cases, the option of surgery is also available.

So, here are a few methods of managing and treating this syndrome:

Rehab Program – Physical therapy:

Increased BMI, poor aerobic fitness and CTS are all closely related. Thus, a patient, suffering from this dreaded Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, must be projected to some weight reduction regime as well as aerobic fitness program as part of the physical therapy. Please note that any exercise (cycling or biking) that may involve straining the wrist should positively be avoided.

Management And Treatment Methods For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

It is seen that some patients get temporary relief through therapeutic ultrasound. 31 patients with mild CTS were treated five times a week with a balanced combination of SWD, tendon, and  nerve gliding exercises and hot pack for a continuous stretch of 3 weeks. They were then passed through various tests that showed vast improvement in their condition.

Medical treatment:

Medicines are available and can bring relief to the inflammation, pain and swelling symptoms of CTS. When the swelling is reduced, the median nerve will automatically be relieved of pressure. People commonly use NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to battle against CTS. These medicines are easily available, and there is no restriction of prescription. Even though this medication makes the patient feel much better, it does not free median nerve from the pressure. When NSAIDs do not seem to work, go for corticosteroids, strong medication for inflammation. They can either be taken orally or injected.

Home Remedy:

Apart from applying ice packs, giving rest to the fingers and wrist from the triggering activities, and wearing a night-time wrist splint, a StringyBall can also help in this case. A StringyBall is a therapeutic stress ball that has been uniquely designed to relieve the discomfort and pain in patients with mild CTS. Regular rolling exercises using it can relax the tendon and muscle tension whereas squeezing can protect the carpal tunnel by strengthening the wrist muscle.

Author Bio: Jennifer Collins is a certified and experienced Physiotherapist. She believes and works towards keeping people free from injury and pain as much as possible. Having many successful cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in her file, she is a renowned physiotherapist in the U.S.

You Might Also Like

Leave a Reply