The intricate design of your hand is composed of different components, muscles, joints, carpal bones, metacarpals, phalanges, and other ligaments and tendons. All these components combined make our daily life easier for us, which is why even a slight hand injury can be challenging.

Today, our certified hand therapists at Able Hands Rehabilitation are discussing carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpel tunnel is a narrow passageway inside your wrist that goes up to your palm. It is surrounded by bones, ligaments, and nerves. A major nerve called the median nerve extending from your forearm runs through this tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed by external pressure, and you experience tingling and numbness in your hand. Even the easiest and simplest tasks can be difficult when you experience this.

What are the Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t necessarily have a specific cause, but the following may contribute to this:

  1. Swelling because of a trauma or injury to the wrist
  2. Hormonal or metabolic changes such as pregnancy, underactive thyroid gland, or overactive pituitary gland.
  3. Frequent, repetitive movements, either small or bigger ones such as typing for hours or certain physical sports activities
  4. Bone diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
  5. Other external factors such as sprain, strain, fracture, inflammation, dislocation, or swelling

How Can You Remedy It?

The main idea is to reduce pressure on the median nerve to relieve you of the pain. Here are a few ways you can remedy it:

  1. Wear splints on your wrists. They’ll help keep your wrist in a straight position with reduced movement. You can wear it before you go to sleep as symptoms are more common at night.
  2. Add warmth to your palm. Warmth can reduce the pressure and help you perform regular activities. Fingerless gloves are a good option for adding warmth.
  3. Professional hand therapy has been known to be a successful solution for carpal tunnel syndrome for years now.

Person dealing with hand pain

Let a Certified Hand Therapist in Old Bridge, NJ, Help You!

Schedule an appointment with certified hand therapists at Able Hand Rehabilitation in Old Bridge, NJ. Our hand pain therapy programs consist of manual therapy techniques that make the movement in your hand flawless. Contact us today for the treatment of hand pain.