How often do you use your hands? Probably every waking hour! Each of these hand-working extremities has 27 bones, 27 joints, 34 muscles, and more than 100 ligaments and tendons. And because your hands are so complicated and intricate, it’s no wonder that one or both can become compromised. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common hand ailment that frequently benefits from treatment from a physical therapist.
When you’re searching for a physical therapist dedicated to providing the topmost standard of personalized care, look no further than the office of The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center. We offer an extensive array of high-quality services for people of all ages. Our skilled team has your needs in mind.
Though many people become afflicted with CTS, they don’t quite understand what it is and why it happens. The carpal tunnel is a slender corridor on the palm side of your wrist. The median nerve and tendons to the fingers and thumb run through this corridor; also, it’s in charge of the thumb and the first three fingers’ feeling and movement. When the nerve gets constricted, it becomes numb, tingly, weak and/or painful, resulting in CTS.
Though symptoms can manifest in one or both hands, they usually show up in your dominant hand first. CTS is three times more likely in women than men, and rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, gout, diabetes and pregnancy can boost your risk.
A physical therapist can guide you in performing strengthening and stretching exercises that will assist in reducing and event staving off the pain, numbness and weakness. The physical therapist can also show you the proper ways to carry out tasks that will make the median nerve less likely to become inflamed yet again.
The initial symptoms of CTS ebb and flow, but if CTS is left untreated, the symptoms become continuous and more severe. Pain may travel from your hand up to your shoulder, and the muscles on the thumb side of your hand might eventually become atrophied.
The office of The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center is committed to the health and strength of your bones and joints. We provide the highest quality of skilled and compassionate therapeutic care. For more information about our practice and many services, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment today.