Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms and Treatment
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand. More than eight million people are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome every year.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Singapore
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome in Singapore, affecting approximately 1% of our population. It is estimated that 5% of all Singaporeans will experience carpal tunnel syndrome in their lifetime.
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What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually caused by pressure put on the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel on the palm side of the wrist. The carpal tunnel refers to a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments. The pressure on the median nerve at the carpal tunnel can lead to tingling, numbness, pain and weakness. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome often experience these symptoms in their first three fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is three times as common in women than men and is frequently diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60. It is possible for carpal tunnel syndrome to be cured, but those with severe cases may still experience recurring symptoms even after surgery.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can develop over time, going from mild to severe. It is usually more severe in your dominant hand.
Signs of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Tingling and numbness of the first three fingers
- Weakened grip strength
- Pain
Severe symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Persistent numbness of the first three fingers
- Permanent weakness in the thumb muscles
Regardless of severity, symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can affect your daily life. It is important that you see a doctor if you experience these symptoms so that they can be treated.
Risk factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Knowing the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome can help you adjust certain lifestyle habits to lower your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Anatomic factors. Past wrist injuries such as fractures or dislocations can put pressure on the median nerve. People with smaller carpal tunnels have a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Sex. Carpal tunnel syndrome is approximately 3 times more common in women than in men.
Health conditions that may lead to nerve damage. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes can cause nerve damage, including the median nerve, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome. - Obesity.
- Changes in body fluids. Fluid retention can lead to additional pressure on the median nerve. This is common during pregnancy and menopause.
- Workplace factors. Repetitive usage of vibrating tools and prolonged or repetitive flexing of the wrists can cause damage to the median nerve. Prolonged usage of a keyboard or mouse can also strain the wrists heavily, especially with poor posture and form.
Complications of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If carpal tunnel syndrome is left untreated, it can worsen over time, causing complications such as permanent damage to your nerves and muscles.
Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
To accurately check for carpal tunnel syndrome, a doctor will assess your medical history, conduct a physical examination. Most of the time this can be diagnosed clinically. However, to confirm more complicated lesions, a nerve conduction study can be considered, and this will be ordered by a neurologist or a hand surgeon.
Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
While there are no known prevention methods for carpal tunnel syndrome, there are ways in which you can minimise stress on your hands and wrists while you carry out your daily activities.
These include:
- Reducing your force and relaxing your grip
- Reducing your force and relaxing your grip
- Adopt good form and posture
- Use a mouse that is comfortable for your wrist
- Keeping your hands warm
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
There are multiple ways to treat and manage carpal tunnel syndrome, especially in its early stages.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can be made in order to reduce the strain on your wrists which can reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome such as pain as well as prevent your condition from worsening. These include:
- Changing wrist position. Bending your wrist strains your wrist. By avoiding placing your wrist in a bent position for long periods of time, you can reduce this strain.
- Proper posture. Maintaining a proper posture while using a computer can be helpful in keeping your wrists in a good position. Avoid a forward-head posture and slouching.
- Hand ergonomics. Placing your keyboard at a proper height to avoid straining your wrists when typing can go a long way in managing carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Stretching. Taking breaks in between your work to stretch your wrists can help relieve tension and pain. This is especially useful for those who have to use their hands and wrists for prolonged periods of time at work, such as delivery truck drivers or office workers who spend the majority of their time in front of a computer.
Wrist Splinting
A splint is a supportive device used to protect an injured body part or a fracture. It keeps the affected body part still which helps with pain and promotes healing. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome often worsen at night and wearing a splint while you sleep can help to relieve such symptoms. This can also be effective in preventing daytime symptoms.
Physiotherapy for Carpal Tunnel
Physiotherapy is a viable treatment method for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, often recommended as the first option for those with early-stage carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel physiotherapy can often be effective for carpal tunnel pain relief, especially for mild cases in the early stages.
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy employs deep heat generated by high-frequency sound waves to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with CTS. By increasing blood flow to the affected area, it aids tissue healing and can potentially enhance nerve function.
TENS Therapy
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Therapy delivers low-voltage electrical impulses through skin electrodes, inhibiting pain signals from reaching the brain. It operates on the gate control theory of pain modulation, reducing the perception of pain. TENS also promotes muscle relaxation, easing tension and spasm.
TCM for Carpal Tunnel
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is often viewed as a manifestation of underlying imbalances in the body's energy flow, particularly involving the meridians and organs associated with the wrist, hand, and forearm.
TCM Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific acupuncture points along the meridians of the body to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow and promote healing. Acupuncture can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve nerve function in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome.
TCM Herbal Medicine
TCM herbal remedies are prescribed based on individual patterns of disharmony to address the root causes of carpal tunnel syndrome and alleviate symptoms such as pain and numbness. Herbal formulas may include herbs with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and nerve-regenerating properties to support healing and restore balance to the body.
TCM Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which helps increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing. Cupping therapy can be effective in relieving pain and inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly when applied to acupuncture points and meridians related to the wrist and hand.
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