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Carpal tunnel syndrome impacts more people than ever thanks to the amount of time we as a society spend on computers, phones, tablets, and gaming consoles. The repetitive nature of the hand motions we make to scroll and click on these devices can easily cause or aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition can be made worse if you work a job that requires you to use tools in a repetitive motion, or already have arthritis present in the hand joints. If you suspect you may be suffering with carpal tunnel syndrome, here’s what you need to know to understand and deal with the condition.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a pain in the wrist and hand caused by the aggravation of the median nerve; a nerve located in the carpal tunnel portion of the wrist that stretches into the palm. Since the carpal tunnel is already narrow, any pressure or inflammation can cause it to impact the median nerve.

While there can be one clear source of the aggravation to the wrist area, such as a new job that requires more computer use, in other cases, there is no one factor that causes the condition. This condition can occur as a result of environmental and hereditary factors, and meeting with a professional like a doctor or physical therapist is the best way to determine all of them and how to handle them.

What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

If you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, you might feel numbness in your fingers that travels up to the wrist. When this numbness recedes, you might feel tingling, like a shocking sensation running through the same spots in the hand. You might also experience pain or tightness when you try to pick things up, as this motion will directly trigger the median nerve. Some patients report a loss of motor function or limited range of motion as carpal tunnel syndrome grows worse.

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?

There are many effective ways to treat carpal tunnel syndrome and minimize the impact that it has on your daily life.

At The Hand Physio Clinic, we take an innovative approach that combines multiple tactics to help treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Our treatment plan for your carpal tunnel syndrome can include lifestyle modifications, soft tissue massage, joint mobilizations, and more.