Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that can cause numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the wrist, hands and fingers. It can make it difficult to hold objects or perform certain tasks. CTS is caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the narrow passage in your wrist, known as the carpal tunnel.

CTS can affect one hand, or both hands. Sometimes it starts in just one hand but then develops in the other hand.

What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Symptoms of CTS usually begin gradually. They are often worse at night and may wake you up. Common symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling: This is usually felt in the thumb, index and middle fingers – and half of the ring finger. The little finger is usually not affected.
• Pain: An ache or pain in the fingers, hand or forearm.
• Weakness: You may experience a weak thumb or difficulty gripping things, which can cause clumsiness.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

CPS occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed. There isn’t always one specific cause but several factors can contribute, including:

• Repetitive movements: Jobs or hobbies that involve frequent, repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as typing, using vibrating tools, or working on an assembly line.
• Underlying medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, an underactive thyroid and obesity can increase the risk of CTS.
• Hormonal changes: Fluid retention during pregnancy and menopause can cause swelling and increase pressure on the median nerve.
• Genetics: You may be at increased risk if you have a parent, brother or sister with CTS.
• Wrist injuries: If you have had a wrist fracture or dislocation, this can increase the risk of CTS.

Tests for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Our osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors can check for CTS by assessing your symptoms and by conducting a physical examination of your hand and wrist. The tests can include:

• A general examination: Your practitioner may test the sensation in your fingers and the strength of your hand muscles.
• Phalen’s test: This test involves bending the wrist forward for 60 seconds to see if it triggers symptoms. 
• Tinel’s sign: This involves tapping lightly over the median nerve to see if it produces a tingling sensation. 
• Electrodiagnostic tests: If the diagnosis is unclear, it may be necessary to organise a nerve conduction study at the hospital, to measure the speed of nerve impulses. Electromyography (EMG) can also assess the electrical activity in your muscles.
• Imaging tests: An ultrasound may be used to see if the nerve is compressed. Meanwhile, X-rays can help rule out other causes of wrist pain, like arthritis or a fracture. If these are necessary, your practitioner can help you organise this through your GP.

What Can I Do to Help Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

There are a few things you can try to help ease the symptoms of CTS yourself. These include:

• Avoiding triggers: Reduce or stop the activities that use repetitive wrist movements or require a strong grip. 
• Wrist splints: Wearing a wrist splint at night can keep the wrist straight and reduce pressure on the nerve. You can buy wrist splints online or from pharmacies.
• Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen may help with short-term pain relief. However, these do not treat the underlying cause so it’s important to seek medical advice if the symptoms persist.

Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

If home treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome don’t help, or if your pain is more severe or long lasting, there are various treatments you can consider. We offer the following treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome in Knaresborough:

• Shockwave Therapy: Focused shockwave therapy helps by reducing inflammation, promoting circulation and improving nerve function.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Osteopathy: An osteopath can work on mobilisation of the wrist to create a space in the carpal tunnel to decompress the nerve, along with softening of the tight muscles in the arm and forearm.
• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help you modify your movements to ease pressure on the nerve. A physiotherapist can also provide exercises to help stretch the wrist and forearm to relieve pressure, as well as exercises to strengthen the forearm to minimise the effects of repetitive strain and heavy lifting.
• Sports Massage: This treatment can reduce inflammation, improve blood flow and release tension in the muscles and tendons of the forearm and wrist, to reduce pressure on the median nerve.

If you are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and would like to make an appointment, please visit our booking page, or call reception on 01423 797800.