A multi-disciplinary approach helps Carpal Tunnel Syndrome sufferers alleviate symptoms and restore strength and functioning. Physical Therapy is a major component of this type of treatment.
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and fingers. It is caused by compression of the median nerve as it crosses the wrist. The median nerve runs from the middle of the neck down to the fingers, and is responsible for carrying both sensory and motor fibers. Compression of this nerve can therefore lead to both motor and sensory problems. Motor symptoms usually present as weakness in the hand, and typically occur in more severe cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Chronic, repetitive use of the hands is the usual cause of compression of the median nerve. In particular, those who must perform repetitive motions with the wrist in the extension position (as when typing on a keyboard, for example) are at serious risk for the disorder. Virtually anyone who uses their hands in both a repetitive and forceful manner for long periods of time can experience Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Women are more likely to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome than men. Most likely, this is due to the fact that the median nerve is usually smaller in woman than in men. For both genders, symptoms generally develop in the dominant hand first, and most sufferers experience more pain in this hand.
