Signs and Symptoms:

• Pain, numbness, and/or tingling sensation in fingers, hands, wrists, and even into forearms.
• Pain usually more intense when using fingers, hands, and arms. Pain lessens when activity is stopped.
• As carpal tunnel syndrome progresses muscles in hands and forearms may become tight and “knotted” resulting in increased pain and discomfort.
• Weakness in these areas may also be noticed.

Injury Description:

• True carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by inflammation of the median nerve as it passes through a small tunnel like groove between the wrist and forearm on the palm side of the hand.
• The median nerve is one of the primary nerves supplying the wrist, hand, and fingers. Irritation of this nerve will cause symptoms described above.
• In some cases carpal tunnel syndrome-like symptoms may be experienced when the actual cause is nerve irritation elsewhere in the upper extremity or shoulder.
• The inflammation is usually due to repetitive/overuse activities of the hands, and/or wrists. It commonly occurs in Secretaries, computer programmers, mechanics, etc.

What Can I Do?

• Limit the amount of activity using hands and wrists giving them a rest
• Application of ice following activity, work, etc. will help decrease inflammation. The ice pack should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
• Modifying positions of arms and hands during work so as not to cause repetitive overuse.
• Modifying work station to better accommodate you and allow you to maintain proper body position to reduce the chances of carpal tunnel syndrome.
• If symptoms persist consult

To maximize your chances for optimal recovery, often a physician will suggest you consult with us to evaluate and modify your treatment and exercises to meet your specific needs.
For more information about carpal tunnel syndrome check out this link:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm