Signs You May Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The hands: a vital portion of the human body puzzle, appendages we use daily in almost everything we do. Too often, we take for granted the beautiful yet mundane things our hands do for us, overlooking that we can work our hands to the bone, or in this case, the nerve. 

Repeated daily tasks such as typing on a keyboard, using your one thumb to browse your smartphone, constantly swiping or even playing video games, can be very common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Individuals employed in assembly line work or who work in construction, etc. are at risk of showing signs of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms too; however, are you aware of other risks or factors that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome? 

Aside from working with your hands, chronic health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, high blood pressure and other autoimmune diseases are linked to carpal tunnel syndrome as well.

In the simplest terms intense pressure or stress on the median nerve, which runs from your forearm to the palm of your hand, is what causes carpal tunnel syndrome. The nerve itself is protected by and is enclosed within bone and ligaments, running along a tiny passageway; the carpal tunnel.

Numbness and tingling can occur when the nerve is crushed however, with the proper therapy one can often find relief and fully restore hand and wrist function.

The five signs of carpal tunnel syndrome are:

If experiencing any of the above, use a wrist splint to keep your wrist and hand stable, ensuring you keep it on at night while you sleep. Due to compression and stress on the median nerve, symptoms are frequently found and felt along the nerve path. If left untreated, you can lose control of your hand and begin to drop things. 

The common first sign of carpal tunnel syndrome is a tingling or numbing sensation in your fingers. The thumb and first three fingers are usually afflicted. You may feel an electric shock sensation in the tips of these fingers. 

A more severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to feeling symptoms from your wrist and extend all the way up your arm. Symptoms can occur at any time; when you're driving, talking on the phone or reading a book. For some, the pain can be so debilitating that it can wake you from a deep sleep.

Those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome may try to ease the pain and symptoms by shaking and loosening up their hands. This solution is only temporary and without the appropriate treatment or preventative care, the numbing sensation along with the tingling could become permanent.

Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment begins with a visit to a physician, who will then conduct a series of tests on your hand. They will examine and talk through the tingling you feel in your fingers, as well as the strength of your hand muscles. The physician will also examine your wrist for signs of discomfort, swelling, or abnormalities. 

To rule out other reasons or areas of potential nerve damage, a thorough examination of your neck and shoulders will be done, too.

The physician will then discuss next steps, treatment and solutions.

Treatment options are often nonsurgical; however, if the case is severe enough, surgery can become an option to relieve all carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. 

For nonsurgical treatment options try the following: 

Contact Mimico Physiotherapy Today!

If you’re looking for the medical services of a physiotherapist, look no further than the professionals at Mimico Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Clinic. Our staff will happily help you to find the best therapist for your needs.

Reach out today by calling our Etobicoke location at 647-351-4000 or use our online physiotherapy booking form to schedule an appointment.