What is Carpal Tunnel?

As we spend more time typing on mobile devices, sitting at our computers, and doing repetitive tasks with our hands and wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is becoming more and more prevalent. Read on to learn what it’s all about.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects nearly 3 million people per year and causes pain, burning, numbness/tingling and weakness in the hand and arm. CTS is one of the most common causes of prolonged workplace absences and a NY Times Article from 2013 reports that there are 500,000+ carpal tunnel surgeries performed per year.

Your carpal tunnel is actually an area in the wrist where a small tunnel is formed between the transverse carpal ligament and some bones that make up your wrist. This small space is called your carpal tunnel and allows the median nerve to pass through it to go out to the hand and fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is when this tunnel becomes smaller in diameter or has an increased pressure on it and compresses the median nerve. Transient compression of the nerve will cause intermittent symptoms while prolonged compression can lead to atrophy of some of the smaller muscles around the hand and loss of function. The picture demonstrates wasting of the muscles at the base of your thumb that is a pattern commonly seen with chronic carpal tunnel syndrome.

Physical therapy for carpal tunnel includes patient education on rest, aggravating positions and activities to avoid, manual therapy to address soft tissue tightness and impaired neurodynamics of the median nerve, as well as strengthening exercises to improve function.

As with anything that we treat at Lattimore PT it is recommended that the quicker you get in to see us, the quicker your pain will be resolved. Don’t let intermittent carpal tunnel become a major problem if you are having any of the symptoms listed above come in and see us right away we will steer you in the right direction and help you avoid becoming one of the half million carpal tunnel surgeries that are performed in the U.S. this year!

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The Lattimore Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation Network was founded by Physical Therapists John and Cindy Shuman in 1992. Since then Lattimore has grown to 20+ locations in 4 different counties.

What’s unique about Lattimore is our patient experience. We tailor your 1:1 treatment around your individual needs, conditions and goals. With us, you’re more than just a number. You’re a member of our local community and we’re invested in your success. Call 1–888-PT ROCHS to experience The Lattimore Way!