5 Facts about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Blogs, / By Koh Peh Chia
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects many people, especially those who perform repetitive hand and wrist motions. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist, which can affect your daily life and productivity. As a physiotherapist, I have seen many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and have found that there are effective ways to manage and prevent this condition. In this blog post, I will discuss what carpal tunnel syndrome is and some interesting facts about the condition.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
CTS occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed as it passes through the wrist. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand, and when the median nerve becomes compressed, it can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
5 Interesting Facts about CTS:
- Women are more likely to develop CTS than men. This may be due to the fact that women tend to have smaller carpal tunnels than men.
- It is more common in people who perform repetitive hand and wrist motions, such as typing or assembly line work.
- It can be effectively managed with physiotherapy. Physiotherapy treatments may include exercises to stretch and strengthen the wrist and hand, manual therapy to reduce inflammation and pain, and ergonomic modifications to prevent further injury.
- Surgery may be necessary in severe cases of CTS, but physiotherapy can often prevent the need for surgery or speed up recovery after surgery.
- Some simple lifestyle changes, such as taking frequent breaks to stretch your hands and wrists, can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
The below video shows the self-check method to find out if you have CTS. Check this out!
In conclusion, carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition affecting anyone who performs repetitive hand and wrist motions. However, with proper management and prevention, it can be effectively treated and even prevented. Physiotherapy is a valuable tool for managing carpal tunnel syndrome, and it can help you get back to your daily activities with minimal pain and discomfort. So, if you are experiencing symptoms of CTS, don’t hesitate to seek out the help of a physiotherapist.
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