Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is pain, weakness, and numbness that results from the median nerve being pinched inside the wrist where it passes through the carpal tunnel. When the tunnel is narrowed, either due to swollen tendons, trauma, a congenital defect, physical stress, a cyst, or any other number of irritants, the signature shooting pain is often experienced. It’s a simple syndrome, but it affects many people, making everyday activities, and sometimes workplace duties, a real struggle.
Did you know that if you want carpal tunnel syndrome relief, you can find it? Many people suffering from this syndrome don’t realize it, but the tingling, numbness, weakness, and shooting pain are not something that you have to just deal with for the rest of your life. The success of various treatments may depend on the original cause of your carpal tunnel syndrome, but chances are that there’s a treatment, surgery, or therapy that will work for you.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Splints
A study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that with the right material and positioning, wrist splints were very effective in not only preventing pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, but aiding healing. In fact, both symptoms and function improved measurably with patients that participated in wrist splint therapy for six weeks. The key to carpal tunnel syndrome relief via splints is to wear them as often as possible, and to be sure that the material and positioning are conducive to keeping the wrist in a neutral position, thereby preventing irritation and further damage to the median nerve.
Non-surgical Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments
Everyone knows that chiropractors can treat back problems, like sciatica, but did you know that they can also help people find carpal tunnel syndrome relief? There are a number of non-surgical treatments that may provide relief in place of, or in addition to, wrist splints. Besides chiropractic manipulation, exercises can help to relieve pain, build strength, and improve function. Acupuncture is also an option for pain relief.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Operation
There are several kinds of carpal tunnel release surgery, all of which are intended to relieve pressure on the median nerve, usually by severing bands of tissues in the wrist. Recovering wrist strength after surgery can take months, but is achievable by most patients with a little help from physical therapy.
It’s important to remember that carpal tunnel can be caused by many conditions, including arthritis, or even diabetes. For this reason, it’s very important to see a specialist who can accurately diagnose your CTS, and help you determine a plan for treatment. With an accurate diagnosis, and the right medical professionals on your side, it’s possible to find cures for carpal tunnel syndrome that will be effective for your case. Helpful research also found here.