What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
There are multiple layers that make up the wrist, you have the skin, fascia, tendons and ligaments and nerves
and blood supply. These structures pass over eight bones (carpal bones) and is held in place by a ligament (transverse carpal ligament) that attaches from one side of the wrist to the other, forming a tunnel type structure. The median nerve, one of the nerves that run through that tunnel is called, the carpal tunnel. This nerve supplies the hand and thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger.
What Causes CTS
The carpal tunnel is a small compact space and as a result the median nerve is suspectable to being compressed. The tendons and bones of the carpal tunnel can also become irritated and inflamed. People who carry out a lot of repetitive motions are more prone to developing CTS. Causes of CTS are as follows:
- Repetitive stress injury, doing a certain activity repetitively over a period time. Professions such as hairdressing, artists, keyboard work, drivers and manual workers who use pneumatic drills and other profession that used the hand to grip.
- Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Cyst, previous trauma such as a sprain, strain, fracture or dislocation.
Symptoms of CTS:
There are a variety of symptoms and not everyone will experience the same or all of the following symptoms:
- Numbness and/or pins and needles in the thumb, index finger and middle and the middle half the ring finger.
- Tiredness and weakness in the hand, loss grip strength,
- Swelling and pain that wakes you up at night.
- Shaking of the hands to relieve the pain or reduce the tingling feeling in the hands.
Conventional Treatment For CTS
Rest – This is the most effective form of treatment, as this helps to reduce swelling in the carpel tunnel canal, which in turn relieves the compression of the median nerve. However, it is not always possible to rest due to your work or other committments.
Splinting – Wearing a splint at night. This will help keep the wrist in a straight position to prevent further compression of the carpal tunnel whilst sleeping.
Anti-inflammatory medication – this will help reduce inflammation but remember this is a short term benefit which is just dealing with the symptoms but not the root cause.
Steroid injection – To help reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgery – If all of the above has been exhausted and have failed then surgery would be recommended. However, avoid surgery, if possible -see it as the last resort!
Can Osteopaths Help CTS?
The answer is YES! Osteopathic treatment can help relieve the tension and restrictions that are impinging or irritating the median nerve which starts at the neck and runs down the arm into the wrist. Our goal is to find cause of pain by conducting a full postural assessment as posture can also play a huge part in the development of CTS. CTS may be stemming from areas higher up from your wrist, such as your neck or tight muscle in around the neck and upper body.
Treatment consists of mobilisation and articulation of the and carpal joints and stretching of the ligament as well prescribing specific exercises tailored to your individual need.
So if you are looking for a wholistic approach to relieving your CTS, find out how Osteopathy can help you manage your CTS in Bedfordshire, visit www.winithomas.co.uk or contact Wini Thomas on 07490 686183.