HealthFlex
×
  • Home
  • Our Team
  • What We Do
    • Osteopath Melbourne
      • Common Conditions
        • The Ankle
        • Back Pain
        • Disc Prolapse
        • Headaches/Migraines
        • Knee Pain
        • Neck Pain
        • Sciatica
        • The Pelvic Floor
        • Spondylolisthesis
        • Hip and Pelvis Pain
        • Impingement of the Shoulder
        • Osteopath Melton
        • Osteopath Keilor
    • Naturopathy
      • Common Conditions
    • Sciatica
    • Coming Soon
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • Patient Forms
  • Call Us (+03) 9944 0833
  • Book Now

INJURY BLOG: CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

INJURY BLOG: CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
June 1, 2022content marketingmovementHealthInjuryBenhancedcarpalcarpal tunnelcarpel tunnel syndromeosteoosteopathosteopathy

Are you experiencing wrist pain or numbness in the fingers and hands that worsens at night? Carpal tunnel syndrome could be to blame. It’s a painful and debilitating condition that causes hand and wrist pain due to pressure on the nerves in the wrist. Read on to learn about carpal tunnel syndrome, what causes it and how it can be managed with the help of osteopathic therapy.

The carpal tunnel

The carpal tunnel refers to the narrow part of the wrist that opens to the hand. The median nerve and flexor tendons run through the carpal tunnel, helping to give feeling and movement to our fingers and thumb. The carpal ligaments and wrist bones surround the carpal tunnel, creating a rigid boundary.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the tunnel narrowing or the flexor tendons swelling with nowhere to go. This compresses the median nerve and reduces blood flow.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

  • Numbness and tingling in the thumb and fingers or palm that can feel like pins and needles.
  • Weakness in the muscles of the hands; difficulty gripping things.
  • Swollen fingers.
  • Nerve pain in your wrist or hand that can be severe.
  • Pain that radiates up your arm.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Inflammation can cause the swelling that compresses the median nerve. A number of conditions can cause this and are linked to carpal tunnel syndrome, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Fluid retention in pregnancy
  • High blood pressure
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Wrist fractures

 

The condition can be aggravated by repeated motion of the wrist when using a keyboard or mouse, using hand tools or power tools for extended periods of time or overextending the wrist when typing or playing piano.

Why is carpal tunnel syndrome common in pregnancy?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in pregnancy, with 3-5 out of every 10 women experiencing the condition. This is because pregnancy hormones promote fluid retention and swelling, and soften the ligaments. This causes the median nerve to be squashed in the carpal tunnel. It’s important to seek treatment to manage your symptoms, as the condition can continue after birth and be exacerbated by lifting and holding your baby in certain positions (e.g. while feeding).

How can osteopathic treatment help?

Osteopathic treatment can help to treat the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. As osteopaths, we will assess your symptoms and come up with an individualised care plan to reduce your symptoms and manage your pain.

Your treatment plan will depend on the symptoms you’re experiencing and may include ice therapy, gentle soft tissue massage, and joint manipulation. Exercises and stretches may be included as part of your treatment. Commonly with carpal tunnel syndrome, it is advised to take regular breaks from repetitive tasks and reduce movement of the wrists. A splint may be used to help with this.

If you fear you’re experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, come and see us. We are here to help! We will assess your symptoms and come up with a treatment plan to help relieve the pain. Call us on (03) 9944 0833 or email info@benhanced.com.au to make an appointment.

Recent Posts

  • INJURY BLOG: CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
  • INJURY BLOG: HAMSTRING STRAIN
  • INJURY BLOG: MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS (GOLFER’S ELBOW)
  • Injury blog: Biceps tendinopathy
  • The power of massage

Archives

  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • February 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • May 2017

Tag Cloud

Benhanced B Enhanced B Enhanced Health Biceps tendinopathy broken bone carpal carpal tunnel carpel tunnel syndrome central nervous system concussion Education fracture gait golfers elbow Hamstring Hamstring injury head injury injury inury joint joint pain massage movement muscle strain nervous system nervous system functions osteo osteopath osteopathy pain Sacroiliac Sacroiliac joint pain shoulder pain Strain tendon

Feedback & Suggestions

Do you have a suggestion for a future blog post? Would you like to contribute as a guest blogger? Contact us today with your idea.

We provide Osteopathy and Naturopathy treatment to patients in West Melbourne including Hillside, Caroline Springs, St. Alban, Cainlea, Keilor, Kealba, Derrimut and Melton.

(+03) 9944 0833

info@benhanced.com.au

40 Gourlay Road, Hillside Victoria 3037

Quick Links

  • Appointment Booking
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Contact

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and get latest updates.

Latest News

  • INJURY BLOG: CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME Jun 1

  • INJURY BLOG: HAMSTRING STRAIN May 2

  • INJURY BLOG: MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS (GOLFER’S ELBOW) Apr 1

  • Injury blog: Biceps tendinopathy Mar 1

Copyright ©2022 B Enhanced Health | All Rights Reserved
SEO Services by Clickmatix Digital Marketing Agency