Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive affliction caused by repetitive overuse or direct trauma. It leads to compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The condition is likely to affect women due to keyboard work. Diabetes and pregnancy are also risk factors.
The carpal tunnel surrounds flexor muscle tendons and the median nerve in their tendon sheath as they pass from the forearm into the hand. Raised pressure in the tunnel might cause irritation or inflammation of the tendons. It leads to compression of the median nerve causing numbness in the hand that can radiate up the arm, weakness or pain.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes
Sports activities involving repetitive flexion and extension of the wrist such as racket sports, biking, throwing events and gymnastics. Injuries include sprain or fracture. Occupational tasks. Congenital predisposition.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms
Numbness, burning or itching in the fingers and the hand. The sensation of wrist and finger swelling. Pain during the night. The weakness of grip.
Complications
Carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent weakness in the muscles of the thumb and loss of sensation in certain fingers. Cold and heat sensations could be affected in some cases.
Carpal Tunnel treatment
Immobilization of the wrist with a splint or bandage. Cease persistent stress activity.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome rehabilitation and prevention
A splint or a bandage can be used to stabilize the hand that was injured. Stop any activity or sport to allow for proper rest and rehabilitation time. Follow-up diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is vital. It is important to release the tension in the hand and wrist during exercises. The benefit is to retard stiffness and retain mobility in the hands. It will help prevent the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Long-term prognosis
Recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome following treatment is few. Only in some cases of an underlying disease like diabetes. Corticosteroid injections or surgery in constant cases. People usually recover well from the injury.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Watford – Sports Massage Watford
Sports massage focuses mainly on the upper, and lower regions of the arm, wrist and hand. There are a range of different muscles that make up the arm. Muscles that make up the arm include; the biceps, triceps, brachialis, brachioradialis, coracobrachialis and the extensor carpi radialis brevis.
Massage is effective for carpal tunnel syndrome by relaxing tendons in the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. The pain will be relieved while grip strength, range of motion, and functional hand use will be improved. An arm massage aims to decrease tension and pain using a variety of different techniques. Our sports massage therapist at Lucas Massage Therapy uses sports massage in Watford to help reduce pain, tension and tightness of the muscles.
Experience the joy of moving freely again
Sports Massage & Deep Tissue Massage in Watford to help you feel better, move better & be pain-free
What are the benefits of sports massage?
- Relaxation and Stress Reduction
- Improves Circulation
- Increases Range of Motion
- Reduces Pain and Inflammation
Massage therapy is a non-invasive treatment with many benefits. By reducing pain, improving range of motion, and relaxing muscles. Lucas Massage Therapy in Watford will help to alleviate symptoms and improve overall function.
Lucas Massage Therapy also put together a newsletter looking at the topic of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome more broadly. If you’d like to download a copy, you can do so at the following link.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Preventing and Treating
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Exercises and Rehabilitation
