Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common repetitive injuries seen in the workplace.
CTS is one of the most common reasons for missed work. It's also one of the most common peripheral nerve conditions.
The nerve most responsible for CTS is the median nerve. It is formed from branches of the nerves in your neck, then travels down the arm through the palm side of your forearm and hand.
Adhesion causing median nerve entrapment
Part of the frequency of CTS is due to the repetitive nature of many jobs at the computer.
Overuse of the soft tissues and nerves in the forearm, hand, and fingers are the most common reason for the median nerve to become compromised. Add insult to injury with improper work station ergonomics and CTS becomes a big problem.
Many doctors and therapists believe the median nerve becomes compressed, but this is rare.
In reality, the nerve becomes glued to the surrounding tissues with fibrous adhesion. When it gets glued it begins to tug, pull, strangle. This creates decreased oxygen, blood flow, and nutrients to the nerve causing pain, tingling, burning, and eventually numbness.
Tips for you to prevent CTS:
1). Make sure your wrists are supported in a neutral position and rested comfortably in front of the keyboard. Use a wrist gel pad if needed. Avoid cocking the wrists.
2). Take frequent breaks from typing. Stopping briefly every 15 minutes to shake out the hands and stretch the forearms can be productive.
3). Try finding a mouse that helps keep your wrist and fingers relaxed.
4). Avoid foods and beverages that cause inflammation and swelling in your joints. This is different for everyone, but most people through trial and error can figure this out. For me, cutting out gluten, dairy, and beer makes a huge difference in the way my joints feel!
If you still experience tingling, burning, or numbness in the thumb, index, ring, middle finger, half of the ring finger, and thumb side of the palm (see pic below) after making those changes then it's time to seek help from a professional.
Most conservative treatments consist of the aforementioned tips, and may include medications, injections, braces, non-specific manual therapy and exercises guided by a PT or OT. When those fail surgeons recommend surgery.
But there's a better option before you opt for surgery.
If you fail self-care and other conservative care, then you're qualified for a consultation with us! We are experts in diagnosis and have advanced treatment methods to fix nerve problems that don't respond to other treatments. You can fill out the online form on our website or call us at 224-206-7050.
Take care of your hands and be well!