Your guide to carpal tunnel syndrome... what it is and how to look after it.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is neuropathy due to the entrapment or compression of the median nerve. This means one of the nerves that travel to the fingers is getting squished in the wrist (carpal tunnel). It commonly affects people's hands or arms in tingling, burning, pain, or weakness. To find out if you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, book in with your local health care professional.
How to look after it
There are three parts to the pyramid of carpal tunnel management. Physiotherapy, splinting, and surgical opinion.
#1: Physiotherapy
#2: Splinting
#3: Surgical Opinion
#1: Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a classic conservative management option for carpal tunnel syndrome. Firstly, the physiotherapist will investigate if what you are dealing with really is carpal tunnel syndrome; this will normally involve questions and physical tests. After confirming the diagnosis the physiotherapist will make a tailored treatment plan for you! This normally involves a subset of:
Splinting
Activity or ergonomic modification
Neurodynamic Mobilisation
Clinical Exercise Therapy
Manual Therapy
Therapeutic Ultrasound
#2: Splinting
Splinting or bracing is a common treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome as it helps keep the wrist neutral. A splint is usually something custom-made with hard material by a therapist whereas a brace is normally soft and store-bought. Commonly the terms splinting and bracing are used interchangeably. The brace or splint is used to reduce pain, swelling, and excess movement of the wrist.
A low-cost option is a wrap-around wrist brace. They are:
Made with soft materials
Easy to take on and off
Allow for the movement of fingers
On the other end of the spectrum are custom-made thermoplastic splints. They are:
Made to fit the contours of the body
Lightweight
Easy to clean
Getting the opinion of a doctor or physiotherapist can help you make the right decision if splinting is appropriate for you.
I normally recommend the ORTHOLIFE reversible universal wrist brace. It has moderate support, one size fits most, and is reversible! Why does it matter if it's reversible? 20 to 45 percent of pregnant women develop carpal tunnel syndrome and many get it on both sides!
#3: Surgical Opinion
Medical management of carpal syndrome normally includes medications or injections but can also include surgery. They may also be checking if any other issues caused your presentation. It is important to work as a team with your healthcare professionals including the GP. Discuss with your team options for conservative management, medical management, and surgical treatment and when each of these may be indicated.
Have you tried any of these options before? Comment below to share your experience.
This carpal tunnel guide should give you some great ideas to take to your healthcare team, but if you run into some issues, or just need some personalized advice, please do not hesitate to see me in person or online.
This is general information only and should not replace medical advice. Please book in with your medical or allied health professional for tailored advice.
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