By Chris Byers, Advanced Rehab and Sports Medicine
Everyone’s wrist has the same anatomy. Part of that anatomy is called the carpal tunnel, which is an arch created by the bones of the wrist on the palm side. In that arch lie the tendons that flex the fingers and the median nerve. Problems arise when the tendons become irritated and swell causing the median nerve to be pinched. When any nerve in our body gets pinched we can have pain, numbness or tingling, and in severe cases loss of muscle function. Carpal tunnel syndrome is simply the median nerve being pinched or compressed in the tunnel by the swelling of the tendons.
Do I have carpal tunnel syndrome?
Many people in today’s Google-world self-diagnose themselves with carpal tunnel syndrome. Knowledge can be beneficial but also dangerous. If you Google carpal tunnel syndrome you get 9,200,000 search results. Trust me when I tell you they are not all giving you accurate information. Here is a quick checklist of symptoms that you can use to decide if you need to seek out an expert opinion:
Sensation
The shaded area is affected by compression of the median nerve or, carpal tunnel syndrome. But the muscle bulge at the base of the thumb will have normal sensation in a true case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Pain
If pain is your only symptom you most likely don’t have carpal tunnel syndrome because other symptoms will always be present. Pain does occur, however, and will be at the wrist and into the same shaded area as in the above sensation drawing.
Swelling
People with carpal tunnel syndrome often complain about their fingers and hand feeling swollen, but typically this is not real swelling, but rather a sensation associated with the nerve compression.
Weakness
Sufferers typically experience loss of strength in their hand and fingers. You may drop items or feel you are unable to hold or carry items.
Night Pain and Numbness
The typical onset we hear when evaluating a patient seems to be their recollection of being awoken at night. Often patients describe waking up in the night with the hand being numb or having the awful pins and needles sensation of being “asleep”. This typically becomes worse; changing into pain and feeling the need to shake your hand to revive sensation or alleviate pain.
Now that you are knowledgeable about what is and isn’t carpal tunnel syndrome, let’s talk about what to do if you feel these symptoms appearing in your wrist and hands.
- Talk with an expert in the medical field: Your doctor, PA, nurse practitioner, physical therapist or occupational therapist. They are qualified to properly diagnose and treat your symptoms.
- ICE the wrist several times a day for 10 minutes a session (until you can get an appointment).
- Stretch your wrist to limit stiffness. Flex wrist up, or towards the back of your hand, until you feel a light stretch and hold 15-20 seconds. Do 3-5 repetitions every hour.
Don’t live with pain or numbness symptoms in your hands — seek out a professional medical opinion. They can also teach you about ways to take care of your hands to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. The longer you go without treatment the more difficult it is to make a full recovery.
For more information on any sort of pain or injury, including how physical therapy can help alleviate the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome, you may contact Advanced Rehab & Sports Medicine at 309-664-9104 or www.advrehab.com. Their office is located at 135 N. Williamsburg Dr. in Bloomington. Free assessments are offered within 24 hours of contact for patients of all ages.