Physical Therapy Helps Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects millions of Americans each year. Factors attributed to the condition are so varied that experts are not entirely sure what causes it. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes squeezed at the wrist.
Common symptoms include:
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acute pain,
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numbness,
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stiffness,
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weakness in the fingers, wrist and hand
Any repetitive movement can result in wrist and hand pain. If physical therapy treatments fail, surgery may be the next option. Muscle weakness or nerve atrophy may necessitate surgery.
Treatment should be decided on a case-by-case basis, mild cases may be treated by applying:
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cold packs,
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taking frequent breaks,
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splinting your wrist,
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cortisone injections,
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manual therapy
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and activity modification.