What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
There are many different reasons why someone might experience sensations of numbness, pins and needles, or muscle wasting in the hand and fingers. As osteopaths it is important that we consider all of these possible causes.
One possible diagnosis is carpal tunnel syndrome which is the compression of the median nerve by the transverse carpal ligament located on the palm side of the wrist. It is the most common repetitive injury in work places and affects women five times more frequently than men.
Who is affected?
Those who are most at wrist of developing carpal tunnel syndrome include:
– People with inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, or those with local swelling from osteoarthritis, wrist joint dysfunction or ganglions;
– Those with systemic conditions that are associated with fluid retention such as diabetes, pregnancy, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, renal disease, multiple myeloma or acromegaly;
– Those who have experienced trauma from motor vehicle accidents or falls; and
– Workers who are subjected to ergonomic stressors causing overuse injuries.
Specifically, actions implicated in carpal tunnel syndrome include:
– Repetitive finger or wrist flexion and extension from fine hand movements required by writers, seamstress, beauticians, athletes, cooks, musicians, cleaners;
– Trades involved in carpentry, mechanics, butchers, cashiers;
– Typists particularly those with a poor computer desk setup;
– Vibration from power tools or truck drivers; and
– Gripping experienced by tradesmen, baristas, or rock climbers.
How can osteopaths help?
Patients are assessed for possible other causes of their symptoms via their case history and performance of manual tests.
Following diagnosis, osteopaths consider the influences of the whole body on relieving the patient’s symptoms. The patient is then treated via conservative techniques that may include massage, dry needling, myofascial release, articulation and manipulation. Conservative treatment of this kind is an excellent initial treatment option before surgical intervention is recommended.
This post was written by Jessica Davies, student intern.
You can find out more about Jess here or book an appointment here.
