What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

28 Jun, 2016 | Dr. Malik | No Comments

With the increase use of smartphones and tablets we are noticing that more patients are experiencing numbness and tingling into their fingers. These symptoms can be a sign of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The carpal tunnel is a small tunnel located within the wrist. This tunnel allows the passage of tendons, nerves and blood vessels to the fingers, as shown below:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Mississauga Pain Clinic

Too much pressure on the carpal tunnel can collapse the opening. This can cause pressure to build on one of the main nerves, called the Median nerve. The median nerve supplies sensation to the hand as shown below:

Median Nerve - Mississauga Pain Clinic

Some signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:

Numbness or pins and needles in the fingers
Pain and numbness that is worse at night and can interrupt sleep
Hand weakness
Burning pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers

The chances of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can increase due to:

Wrist fracture or dislocation
Women tend to have a higher risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome than men
Nerve-damaging conditions
Using a computer or electronic device

If you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome what should you do?

See a doctor if symptoms persist
Stretches can help reduce the severity
Splints or braces can help prevent reinjury
Corticosteriod injections can help reduce the pain and inflammation
Surgery may be required if the symptoms do not go away

At the clinic, we offer different treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, including:

Joint mobilization and manipulation
Targeted muscle stretches
Graston Therapy
Electroacupunture
Interferential Therapy
Braces and Supports

In most cases, the above mentioned treatments can help reduce the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If a patient does not respond, they may be a candidate for surgery. A video of carpal tunnel surgery can be found below (not for the faint of heart!)

To help prevent surgery, here are a few stretches that can help if you are suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The goal is to help open the tunnel, and relax the forearm muscles helping to provide space for the Median nerve.