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It is our mission to provide the highest quality of care to our patients by highly trained and qualified staff through evidence-based practice, promoting health and wellness; timely recovery following injury, debilitation, or surgical intervention; return to prior level of function and independence in daily activities, work, and recreation, to service the people of our community and industry.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
 
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
 
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the entrapment of the median nerve at the wrist level resulting from swelling, thickening and / or irritation to the tissue surrounding the tendons within the carpal tunnel.
 
What are the Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
 
  1. Numbness, pain, or tingling sensation in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger especially at night, waking you from sleep.
  2. Noticeable clumsiness with manipulation of objects during everyday tasks. This might be due to muscle cramping, spasms, progressive weakness, and decrease in feeling in the fingers.
  3. In severe cases pain can also radiate to other areas of the arm.
 
What are Possible Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is more frequently diagnosed in females than males, usually between 40 and 60 years of age.

  • Hormonal changes, menopause or pregnancy
  • Trauma to the wrist like a fracture or soft tissue injury
  • Repetitive grip, grasping of the fingers and bending of the wrist
  • Prolonged compression to the wrist
  • Long term use of vibrating tools
  • Thyroid imbalance
  • Diabetes
 
Stages of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
 

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a progressive disease if left untreated. Often, it can be treated with success if diagnosed in Stage 1 or 2.

Stage 1
Symptoms in wrist after activity. Does not interfere with activity.

Stage 2
Symptoms in one or more areas in wrist during activity. Waking up during the night with tingling sensation in fingers. Productivity may be mildly affected.

Stage 3
Symptoms in one or more areas during activity. Pain persists after activity is stopped. Productivity my be affected and multiple breaks may be necessary to continue working. May affect other activities away from work. May have weakness, loss of control with tingling and numbness.

Stage 4
All common uses of hand or arm causes symptoms 50-70% of the time. May be unable to work or working with limited capacity. May have constant weakness, clumsiness, tingling, and numbness.

Stage 5
Loss of capacity to use hand because of chronic, unrelenting pain. Usually unable to work. Symptoms may persist indefinitely. Loss of muscle tissue may be present.

 
What can your Physician do for you in Treating your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
 
  • Confirm diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Order screening test.
  • Referral to Hand or Occupational Therapy for treatment.
  • Provide you with information regarding proper diet and nutrition.
  • Surgical consultation if not improved with therapy.
 
How will Hand / Occupational Therapy Treat Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ?
 
  • Proper Splinting
  • Activity Analysis and Modification for Treatment and Prevention
  • Decrease Swelling
  • Mobilization Techniques
  • Ergonomics
  • Home Program
 
Post Surgical Treatment
 
  • Proper Splinting
  • Prevent tendon and nerve scarring
  • Restore wrist and finger range of motion
  • Decrease swelling
  • Decrease pain
  • Scar Management
  • Desensitization
  • Strengthening
  • Job analysis and modification
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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