Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Nonsurgical Modalities

1. Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Nonsurgical Modalities Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The article lists the condition in detail along with the treatment options. Hand numbness, tingling, weakness and pain could be symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This common orthopedic condition occurs when the median nerve, (a nerve in the wrist) gets pinched or squeezed. The condition usually affects the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Generally, the symptoms of CTS develop slowly and become worse during the night. Leading healthcare and pain management centers in Brooklyn, NYC offer a wide variety of treatment options to improve the pain and other symptoms associated with CTS. Most cases of CTS occur due to a combination of several factors (which put excessive pressure on the nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel). The median nerve that runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers. Anything that directly irritates the median nerve in carpal tunnel space can cause CTS. The excessive pressure on the nerve can happen several ways such as swelling of the lining of the flexor tendons (called tenosynovitis), joint dislocation, fracture, and fluid-build-up during pregnancy. The condition is quite common in professions that involve more repetitive motions of the hand such as mechanics, construction workers,

2. other vibratory-prone jobs, and of course, computer use. Other risk factors include medical conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis, or being pregnant. What are the Symptoms? CTS can affect both men and women. The pain symptoms can range from mild to severe and differ from one person to another. As the intensity of the pain increases, it often becomes difficult to hold an object or even perform routine manual tasks. Common symptoms include - • • • • • • Swollen feeling in the fingers Pain in the wrist, palm or forearm Numbness or tingling sensation in the hand or fingers Difficulty gripping objects with the hands or dropping objects Dryness of the skin in the fingers Pain and/or numbness that gets worse at night or interrupts sleep Nonsurgical Options for Treating CTS As the symptoms related to this condition get worse over time, early diagnosis and treatment is important for CTS. Diagnosis of this condition would involve a detailed physical examination along with other imaging tests like such as electro-diagnostic tests (nerve conduction studies), MRI scan (Magnetic resonance imaging), electromyogram and X-ray. Pain management centers based in Brooklyn treat CTS using nonsurgical modalities such as physical therapy, TENS, Ice and Heat application, chiropractic care and pain management injections. Physical therapy exercises comprise gentle stretching, strengthening and aerobic exercises that help to improve normal function and movement of joints. TENS involves the use of low-voltage electric stimulation that interacts with the sensory nervous system to reduce pain. Another option is the use of ice and heat packs to lower inflammation and relax the muscles. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) may help relieve pain from CTS in the short-term. Corticosteroids injections decrease inflammation and swelling and relieve pressure on the median nerve. Chiropractic treatment includes gentle manipulation of the wrist, elbow and cervical spine. In addition, patients may be advised to use wrist splints to relieve tingling and numbness. Surgery may be recommended if the symptoms are severe and do not respond to any of these treatment modalities. CTS surgery relieves pressure by cutting the ligament pressing on the median nerve. Preventing CTS Symptoms There are no proven strategies to prevent CTS. However, certain strategies can help minimize occurrence. These prevention strategies include – giving the hands and wrists breaks from time to time, reducing repetitive hand movements (by alternating between tasks for activities), improving body posture, wearing gloves that keep your hands and wrists warm, and doing regular hand stretching exercises. (718) 769-2521