Do you ever wake up and your fingers are tingling or numb? Do your fingers fall asleep during the day when driving or reading a book? Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common condition that due to the compression of the median nerve at the wrist, it results in altered sensation to the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers.
The carpal tunnel refers to a location in the wrist which is comprised of a floor of carpal bones and a roof of thick ligament. Through the tunnel run the tendons that bend the fingers and the median nerve. As this is an inelastic structure, any decrease in the cross-sectional area or increase in volume within the tunnel, causes pressure on the median nerve.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur as a result of injury, surgery, pregnancy, carpal arthritis, diabetes or flexor synovitis within the carpal tunnel. A Sunshine Coast Hand Therapy can assist in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome through the use of splints, nerve gliding exercises and education on how to avoid irritating the nerve further.
If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, do not hesitate to contact Sunshine Coast Hand Therapy to book an appointment with one of the therapists who will assess and treat your symptoms.