Tag Archives: Wrist pain

Fracture Rehabilitation, Fracture Treatment, Physiotherapy, Wrist pain

Scaphoid Fractures: A Physiotherapy Guide

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What is a scaphoid fracture?

A scaphoid fracture is one of the most common types of wrist fractures, particularly among young adults and athletes. The scaphoid bone is one of the eight small bones in the wrist, located in the middle of the joint closer to the thumb side. Functionally, it helps to connect the forearm bones (radius and ulna) to the hand bones (metacarpals). A fracture of the scaphoid typically occurs when an individual falls onto an outstretched hand (commonly shortened to FOOSH), causing the wrist to bend backward in an awkward position. The impact can break the bone, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the wrist. Unfortunately, due to its location and blood supply, scaphoid fractures can be tricky to diagnose and treat, and failure to do so properly may lead to long-term complications.

How do scaphoid fractures happen?

Activities that have a lot of high impact and weightbearing on the wrist are more susceptible to a fracture

The primary cause of a scaphoid fracture is trauma to the wrist, often from falling onto an outstretched hand. Some common scenarios include:

  • Sports injuries: Athletes in contact sports such as football, basketball, or acrobatic sports like gymnastics are particularly prone to wrist injuries
  • Motor vehicle accidents: Sudden impacts can cause severe trauma to the wrist, leading to fractures
  • Repetitive stress: In some cases, repeated stress or pressure on the wrist may contribute to stress fractures of the scaphoid bone

Additionally, certain risk factors can make someone more prone to a scaphoid fracture, including:

  • Age: Young adults, especially those between 18-30 years old, are more likely to experience this type of fracture
  • Bone density: People with low bone density or osteoporosis may be more susceptible
  • Activity level: Individuals involved in high-impact or contact sports have a higher risk of injury

What are the symptoms of a scaphoid fracture?

 A scaphoid fracture is often difficult to diagnose at first because symptoms may resemble those of other wrist injuries. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain in the wrist: The pain is usually felt on the thumb side of the wrist and may be more intense when the wrist is moved or when pressure is applied to the area
  • Swelling and bruising: Swelling is typically visible around the base of the thumb, and bruising may appear later
  • Reduced range of motion: It may be difficult to move the wrist or thumb without sharp pain
  • Tenderness: Pressing on the area near the base of the thumb is very sore

How can this type of fracture be diagnosed?

To diagnose a scaphoid fracture, doctors will typically perform a physical examination and review the patient’s medical history, including any recent falls or trauma. X-rays are the primary imaging tool used to diagnose a scaphoid fracture, but it’s important to note that fractures may not always be visible immediately after the injury. Sometimes, a second set of X-rays taken a week or two after the injury is required to detect any changes. Unfortunately, scaphoid fractures are unique, and some may never be detectable on x-rays, called occult scaphoid fractures. In these cases, the physical exam and symptoms can usually inform the diagnosis of a fracture.

How is a scaphoid fracture treated?

Treatment for a scaphoid fracture depends on the severity of the break and its location. Generally, treatment options include:

  1. Conservative treatment: Non-displaced fractures (where the bone fragments remain in alignment) are often treated with immobilization using a cast or a splint. This method is typically effective for stable fractures, and the cast is worn for about 6-12 weeks. Here, the wrist is kept in a position that limits movement to allow the bone to heal properly
  2. Surgical treatment: Displaced fractures (where the bone fragments are out of alignment) often require surgical intervention. Typically, surgery involves realigning the bones and using screws, pins, or plates to hold the fragments in place during healing. Also, surgery may be necessary if there’s a concern about the blood supply to the scaphoid bone, which can be disrupted by a fracture. This is an important complication to watch for as it can lead to a serious issue if untreated, called avascular necrosis (AVN)
  3. Rehabilitation: After the cast or surgical treatment, physical therapy is recommended to help restore the wrist’s strength and range of motion. For example, rehabilitation exercises can aid in reducing stiffness, improving flexibility and function of your wrist and hand

Initially, range of motion exercises after immobilization should focus on active-assisted ROM as the hand and wrist will be stiff. These exercises should focus on the wrist and thumb; however, the fingers, elbow and shoulder also need to be considered as they may be affected. If the full range is still restricted, manual therapy can be applied in the form of joint mobilizations to the radio-carpal joint, radio-ulnar and carpal joints. Furthermore,, other forms of manual therapy may also be helpful to reduce any residual swelling or pain such as soft tissue work or massage techniques.

What can go wrong with a fracture?

Although most scaphoid fractures heal successfully with proper treatment, complications can arise. For example, some potential complications include:

  • Nonunion: If the fracture does not heal properly, the bone may fail to unite, leading to chronic pain and dysfunction
  • Avascular necrosis (AVN): The scaphoid bone has a relatively poor blood supply, and fractures, especially those in the proximal part of the bone, can disrupt blood flow. Consequently, this can lead to the death of the bone tissue, which may result in permanent wrist damage
  • Osteoarthritis: Chronic wrist pain or deformity following a scaphoid fracture increases the risk of developing arthritis in the joint

How can I minimize the risk of a fracture?

While some scaphoid fractures are due to accidents or unavoidable trauma, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

  • Wear protective gear: When engaging in sports or high-risk activities, wearing wrist guards or other protective equipment can reduce the chances of injury
  • Strengthen the wrist: Regularly performing exercises that strengthen the muscles and ligaments around the wrist can provide more stability and help prevent injuries
  • Fall prevention: Practicing good techniques and safety measures to avoid falling, such as using proper footwear can be especially beneficial

Looking for help?

If you are dealing with a wrist pain, post-fracture issues, or any other type if injury, look for PhysioNow! We have many experienced Registered Physiotherapists ready to help you get better! With 10 different clinics across the GTA from Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and Etobicoke, our offices are in prime locations to serve you. Contact us if you have any questions and book with us today for your first assessment and treatment.

Arthritis, Hand Pain Treatment, Health and Wellness, Hip Pain, Physiotherapy, Shoulder pain, Wrist pain

Rheumatoid Arthritis and What You Should Know

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disorder that can affect multiple joints, usually on both sides simultaneously. In other words, if it affects your wrists, it would likely be both, not just one. RA is an autoimmune disorder. Essentially, a flare up is when your immune system starts to attack your own body’s tissues. Ultimately, it has systemic (body-wide) effects and can damage your skin, lungs, heart and blood vessels in some cases.  RA mainly damages the lining of your joints causing large amounts of pain and swelling that can eventually result in joint line erosion and deformities. In most cases, the damage is permanent and leads to a decreased quality of life and increased disability.

What increases the risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The ultimate cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but what we do know is certain things increase the risk of development. This includes:

  • Family history
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Environmental or external factors (exposure to pollutants, stress, infection etc)
  • Sex: Women develop RA more often than men

What are the signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The symptoms depend on the current stage the condition is in, and it cycles between two stages:

  1. Relapsing: Also known as a flare up, symptoms appear and are more intense
  2. Remitting: Symptoms including pain will decrease or are absent, but structural deformities will persist  

During a relapse/flare up, symptoms include:

  • Pain in the joints, usually 4 or more joints at a time
  • Warmth and redness around the affected joints
  • Swelling 
  • Tender to the touch 
  • Morning stiffness
  • Fever
  • Fatigue

In the early stage of RA, the small joints of the body like the fingers or toes are more affected. As the disease progresses, the larger joints become involved like the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows and hips.

How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

Primarily, RA is identified through a combination of a physical exam, analysis of your health history, x-rays and other imaging tests, and blood work looking for markers that may indicate the presence of the disease.

Physiotherapy Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

  1. Education about the condition and the key role of interprofessional and collaborative care in the management of RA:
    Managing your Rheumatoid Arthritis requires coordination of care from a variety of health care professionals.

    Your Physiotherapist can help you understand the condition, identify early signs and advise you on how to proceed or where to seek help. For example, they may help connect you to a medical doctor and a rheumatologist (professional that specializes in the care of inflammatory conditions) for specific management of RA. Additionally, these specialty clinics may provide additional resources for the management of the condition. 

    2. Activity modification

    During a flare up, strenuous activity should be avoided and rest becomes the priority. This may include things like lifting, climbing stairs, and even walking can put excessive pressure on the joints. To help, your Physiotherapist may give you strategies to help you manage fatigue, conserve your energy, and prescribe you with a gait aid or other adaptive devices. For example, using a walker or cane to offload the lower body, or installing railings or raised toilet seats.

    3. Therapeutic exercise

    During periods of remission, therapeutic exercises will be used to maintain normal muscle strength and prevent deterioration. The duration, severity, and types of exercise will be determined after a thorough assessment. Your Physiotherapist will uniquely adapt the exercises to an appropriate level for your condition. Overall, these exercises could include range of motion and stretching, aerobic conditioning, and strengthening.

    4. Manual therapy

    Manual therapies like soft tissue release, gentle joint mobilizations, and other massage techniques are useful for relieving pain and swelling and improving flexibility. It is also beneficial for promoting a general feeling of well being and increasing mood, which is often affected in this condition. Thus, it is an important part of the management of RA.

    Where can I find help?

    If you are experiencing difficulties with RA or any kind of joint pain, look for PhysioNow! We have many expert Registered Massage Therapists and Physiotherapists that can help you with your recovery today. With 10 clinics across the GTA from Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, and Etobicoke, our highly accessible locations are ready to serve you! Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

    Hand Pain, Physiotherapy, Sports Injuries, Wrist pain

    TFCC Injury and Wrist Pain

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    What is a TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) injury?

    First, the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is a critical structure located in the wrist,
    specifically on the side of the pinky finger. It plays a role in stabilizing the wrist joint, particularly during activities that involve gripping or weight-bearing through the hands. It is comprised of a triangular fibrocartilage disc, ligaments, and associated structures. Importantly, the TFCC provides cushioning and stability between the 2 bones at the end of the forearm/beginning of the wrist (the radius and the ulna)

    A closer look at the TFCC

    The TFCC consists of several components, including the triangular fibrocartilage, the ulnar collateral ligament, and the dorsal and palmar radioulnar ligaments. These components work together to stabilize the wrist, absorb shock, and facilitate smooth movement between the radius and ulna. Especially, the complex is important for athletes and individuals who engage in activities requiring repetitive wrist motion or heavy lifting. Namely, it helps to prevent injuries in these high-stress situations.

    How does the TFCC get injured?

    TFCC injuries can occur due to various factors, primarily categorized into traumatic and degenerative causes. Traumatic injuries often result from a fall onto an outstretched hand, direct impact to the wrist, or sudden twisting motions. These injuries are common in sports such as gymnastics, football, and skiing. On the other hand, degenerative injuries, develop over time, often due to repetitive wrist motions or age related wear and tear. Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can also contribute to the deterioration of the TFCC.

    Symptoms of a TFCC Injury

    Individuals with a TFCC injury typically experience a range of symptoms. This can include but is not limited to:

    • Pain, localized to the ulnar/pinky side of the wrist
    • Worsened by gripping, twisting, or weight-bearing activities on the hand/wrist
    • Swelling around the wrist
    • Decreased range of motion in the wrist
    • A feeling of instability in the wrist joint
    • Clicking or popping sounds when moving the wrist

    How is a TFCC Injury treated?

    Wrist bracing can help reduce pain from a TFCC injury and increase the function in your wrist while it heals

    The treatment for TFCC injuries varies based on the severity and how it was injured. Primarily, conservative options are the first line of defense and often include rest, immobilization in a splint or brace, and physical therapy. Physical therapy goals include improving range of motion, strength, coordination, and a return to sport/activity plan. Pain management may involve the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options can include debridement, repair, or, in severe cases, reconstruction of the TFCC itself.

    Where can I find help?

    In conclusion, a TFCC injury can significantly impact wrist function and quality of life. Early
    intervention with appropriate treatment are the best options. The longer you leave the injury untreated, the trickier it becomes to return to your normal function and activities. Thus, if you are experiencing wrist pain, look for PhysioNow! We have 10 convenient locations across the GTA and many Registered Physical Therapists highly experienced at treating sports injuries. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

    Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Hand Pain Treatment

    Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Physio 101

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    Hand wrist pain from carpal tunnel syndrome

    What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

    Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common neurological disorder. It  occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist.

    Importantly, the median nerve provides feeling to the thumb, index, and middle finger, and part of the ring finger (but not the little finger). Also, it controls some small muscles at the base of the thumb. Sometimes, thickening from the lining of irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and compresses the median nerve. For example, a common sign is that you might wake up and feel you need to “shake out” your hand or wrist.

    What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

    Usually, carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms start gradually and includes:

    • Tingling or numbness – You may notice tingling and numbness in the fingers or hand. Usually the thumb and index, middle or ring fingers are affected, but not the little finger. You might feel a
      sensation like an electric shock in these fingers. The sensation may travel from the wrist up the arm. The numb feeling may become constant over time.
    • Symptoms often occur while holding a steering wheel, phone or newspaper, or may wake you from sleep.
    • Feeling the need to “shake out” their hands to try to relieve their symptoms.
    • Weakness – You may experience weakness in the hand and are more likely to drop objects.

    What is the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome?

    Anterior view of wrist comparing a healthy carpal tunnel with a compressed median nerve in the carpal tunnel
    SOURCE: ortho_carp-tun-rel-endo_anat.ai

    As a reminder, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve.  Firstly, the median nerve runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist (carpal tunnel) up to the hand. Consequently, anything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, a wrist fracture can narrow the carpal tunnel and irritate the nerve, as can the swelling and inflammation caused by conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

    What are the risk factors?

    1. Trauma or injury to the wrist that causes swelling, such as a sprain or fracture
    2. Imbalance of either the pituitary gland or the thyroid gland
    3. Rheumatoid arthritis or other arthritic diseases
    4. Mechanical problems in the wrist joint
    5. Repetitive use of tools or wrist movements
    6. Fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause
    7. Development of a cyst or tumor in the canal
    8. Sex—women are three times more likely than men to develop CTS
    9. Diabetes or other metabolic disorders – can directly affect the nerves and make them more susceptible to compression
    10. Sleeping positions  ex. with a bent wrist
    11. Increasing age—CTS usually occurs only in adults.

    How is it diagnosed?

    This condition can be diagnosed by:

    • Physical exam
    • Routine laboratory tests
    • X-rays
    • Specific wrist tests may produce the symptoms of CTS ex. Phalen’s test
    • Electrodiagnostic tests such as nerve conduction study and
      electromyography
    • Diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

    Phalen's Test for carpal tunnel syndrome

    Phalen’s Test for carpal tunnel syndrome

    How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

    • Splinting – Initial treatment is usually a splint worn at night

    Splint for carpal tunnel syndrome

    An example of a night time splint for carpal tunnel syndrome, from https://www.orthomed.ca/

    • Activity modification – Avoiding daytime activities that may provoke symptoms, take frequent breaks from tasks to rest the hand
    • Medication – In special circumstances, various medications can ease the pain and swelling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may provide some short-term relief from discomfort. However, they haven’t been shown to fully treat CTS
    • Exercise – Ask a physiotherapist at PhysioNow about hand exercises that might help with pain and improve grip strength among those with CTS. Alternatively, therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care have benefited some people with CTS. However, their overall effectiveness remains controversial in the research
    • Vocational or occupational therapy – You may need to learn new ways to perform certain tasks or job skills so as not to aggravate or worsen your CTS

    Our team of qualified physiotherapists at PhysioNow will help and guide you through the treatment and exercises that will help you reduce pain and improve your quality of life. Book your first appointment with PhysioNow today!

    General Category, Hand Pain, Wrist pain

    Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Injury

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    Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Injury

    The TFCC is a combination of ligament, tendon and cartilage and therefore name as Triangular Fibrocartilage complex. This ligament has a major function of stabilizing and supporting the wrist. It is an important structure connecting the forearm bones to the small bones in wrist, thereby giving you the mobility when you grip object tightly or rotate the wrist. The TFCC provides these movement more support and range while behaving as cushion in the area.

    What causes TFCC strain or tear?

    There are two ways your TFCC can give up – either due to injury or any degeneration of these ligament.

    1. Injury – most often when you fall on outstretched hand is a common precursor of the TFCC injury or tear. The mechanism could be a sudden impact or a twisting injury. Older adults are more vulnerable as there can be thinning of these ligaments with age and making it easy to injure. If there has been a fracture of forearm or wrist, this can directly impact the TFCC. Overuse activities or repetitive movement can cause the area to injure.
    2. Degeneration – as any structure in your body, this too can get thinner with wear and tear of aging. There can be a chronic tear which is gradually occurring over time.

    Symptoms

    Injury to TFCC can cause following symptoms

    • Pain and tenderness on wrist area mainly outside of wrist
    • Difficulty in rotating wrist or forearm with clicks or pops sometimes
    • Reduced strength in wrist with weak grip strength

    Diagnosis and Tests

    Early intervention is important, before the weakness takes over and causes atrophy. Upon your first meet with Physiotherapist, they will ask for the pain and medical history to know how it started. The next step is physical exam with few tests of the ligament and muscles to confirm the involvement of the TFCC. Followed by this, upon pressing different areas in wrist there will be determination of amount and intensity of the issue. The range of motion is tested again to see how far the involved area is affected.

    TFCC tests can be diagnosed with fovea test where the provider applies pressure to outside o wrist for tenderness. This is often compared to other side for confirmation.

    Your provider may also recommend imaging tests — such as X-rays or MRI — to look for fractures or tears.

    Treatment for TFCC

    After a TFCC injury you may find difficulties in doing daily activities. In such scenario your provider may recommend one or more from below-

    1. The doctor may prescribe some anti-inflammatory to help reduce swelling as well as may reduce some pain.
    2. Bracing of wrist to prevent from further damage so it can be protected can be important during acute/initial phase. The 3pp carpal lift brace are generally prescribed in initial acute phase to support the wrist small bones. It has cushion on base to stabilize the wrist.

    Wrist Brace TFCC

    Wrist Brace

    1. Physiotherapist may also with it do manual therapy and exercises to strengthen the muscles around wrist joint.
    2. Remember to ice everyday 10 minutes at a time in initial week and move on to heat as per your physiotherapist’s advice. The therapist can use Taping.
    3. Surgery: If more conservative treatments don’t provide relief, your provider may recommend surgery. In most cases, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery can repair TFCC tears. Following a surgery, few step to be mindful of are, make sure you keep your wound dry.  Follow up with surgeon as suggested – after 2 weeks and then after 2 months. Physiotherapy sessions 2-3 times a week for 8 weeks and follow the home exercise programme as prescribed by the physiotherapist.

    Preventing TFCC

    There are few ways to prevent it from getting injured, as mentioned below,

    • Avoid repetitive, high-impact activities using the hands
    • Do warmup exercises before a sport or activity that involves twisting your arm or wrist (like playing tennis or baseball).
    • Strengthen your wrist and forearm muscles
    • Gradually increase any athletic activity, rather than suddenly increasing the activity amount or intensity.

    Prognosis

    Most of the injuries and tears can take up to 12 weeks due to the sensitive location and the nature of the structure. But be mindful to call the doctor, if there is any swelling, discoloration or loud pops heard.

    In most of scenarios, during initial phase it is advised not to do any training, lifting or gymnastics. It is known to heal faster when wrist is rested in neutral position. Furthermore, you can return to these activities in 3-4 months based on the extent of injury. It is always advised to review with your physiotherapist before returning to any heavy weight exercise or work.

    Need Some Help?

    If you think you have Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex or have been diagnosed with it rest assured that there is help book. We have many experienced Registered Physiotherapists at PhysioNow who would love to help you out. Book with us at PhysioNow today for your initial assessment and treatment.

    General Category, Wrist pain

    Osteoarthritis, Learn About It Here!

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    Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joint affecting the articular cartilage and bony structures and tissues involved.

    It starts with changes to the surrounding tissues of the joint and in advanced stages it affects the articular cartilage thereby reducing and narrowing the joint space causing structural bony changes.

    Osteoarthritis

    Signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis in hand and wrist:

    • Swelling of the joints or knuckles.
    • Morning stiffness in fingers and wrist.
    • Pain with movements.
    • Difficulty with gripping and handling objects.
    • Decreased strength.
    • Enlarged joints or deformed joints in more than one or more area.
    • Heberden’s nodes, and Bouchard’s nodes/ hard or bony lumps on the fingers in more than 3 to 4 joints or knuckles.

    Risk Factors:

    • Commonly seen in females.
    • Age over 40.
    • Menopause
    • Family history.
    • Previous injury to the hand and wrist.
    • Work or occupation related repetitive usage of the joints.

    Diagnostic imaging:

    X ray, MRI, CT scan would show the changes in the joint and the articular cartilage.

    Management of Osteoarthritis:

    Pharmaceutical:
    • Analgesics
    • Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs.
    • Intra articular steroid injection.
    Surgical:
    • Arthrodesis, fusion of the joint.
    • Arthroplasty, Joint replacement.

    Physiotherapy:

    Evidences and studies show that physiotherapy does decrease the impact of OA on joints and thereby improving the strength and function of the joint. Physiotherapy management includes:

    osteoarthritis

    Joint Protection

    osteoarthritis

    Hand Exercises

    osteoarthritis

    Laser and Ultrasound Machine

    • Joint protection and advices on splints and braces, and suggestion on adaptive equipment to make function easier.
    • Heat wraps/ paraffin wax for pain relief and joint function.
    • Laser and ultra sound for reducing swelling and for soft tissue healing.
    • Hand exercises involving strengthening and stretching to improve joint function and reduction of pain.
    • Joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques to reduce pain and to improve mobility and flexibility of the joint.

    Need some help?

    Your concerns are best managed by a health care professional. Here at PhysioNow, we have many highly knowledgeable physiotherapists that can assist you with your issue. If you think you may have osteoarthritis or are diagnosed with it, book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

    Applewood Physionow, Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd, Erin Mills Physionow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., Exercise, General Category, Health and Wellness, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Lorne Park Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd., Manual Therapy, Massage Therapy, Massage Therapy at Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., Massage Therapy Services Mississauga, PhysioNow, Physiotherapy, Registered Massage therapist Mississauga, Registered Massage Therapy Lorne Park PhysioNow, Registered Massage therapy Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Seniors, Wrist pain

    Carpal tunnel syndrome

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    Carpal tunnel syndrome

    Carpal tunnel is the entrapment of median nerve at the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome leads to pain, numbness and tingling in first three fingers of the hand sparing the palm, weakness of thumb, loss of grip strength and dexterity.

    Symptoms are usually worse at night and are eased by shaking the hand. Anything that irritates the median nerve at the wrist can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. This can include a fracture around the wrist, swelling due to inflammatory conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, changes in the balance of body fluids as in pregnancy and menopause. It can also include workplace factors such as vibrating tools, poor position of the hand, obesity, diabetes mellitus or double crush syndrome.

    Carpal Tunnel Syndrome needs to be differentiated from wrist tendonitis, cervical radiculopathy, cervical derangement and thoracic outlet syndrome leading to similar types of symptoms. If not treated at the right time, it can lead to varying degrees of functional loss.

    Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    There are two general approaches for treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome – conservative treatment and surgical treatment.
    Your Registered Physiotherapist will address the following strategies to help you with your symptom management and treatment:

    • Education: It is important to maintain healthy weight, exercise and manage any health problem such as diabetes.
    • Proper body mechanics: Keeping your wrist neutral,
    avoiding repetitive wrist flexion movements, tight pinching and gripping
    An Ergonomic assessment of your workplace can help to prevent recurrence.
    • Decompressing the nerve: Mobilisation of certain carpal bones such as the capitate helps to create more space for the median nerve and hence decompress the nerve.
    Stretching the retinaculum and improving the flexibility of the muscles around the wrist will also help. Nerve and tendon gliding exercises will ensure the unrestricted motion of the nerve.
    • Grip strengthening exercises, fine motor and hand dexterity exercises and postural correction.
    • Treat the spine if your symptoms are related to double crush syndrome.
    • Taping the wrist or using a Wrist splint.
    Check out this link for more information.

    The earlier the carpal tunnel syndrome is treated, the less likely are the chances for symptoms to return.Carpal tunnel syndrome Resolution of the symptoms after surgery can be more temporary if the symptoms originate from elsewhere. Our experienced Registered Physiotherapists at PhysioNow will assess you to find out the actual cause of your symptoms and will help you to get rid of your symptoms. Call today!

    acupuncture, Exercise, General Category, Health and Wellness, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy, Wrist pain

    Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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    CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

    Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes into the hand. The median nerve is located on the palm side of the hand (also called the carpal tunnel). It provides sensation (ability to feel) to your thumb, index finger, long finger, and part of the ring finger. Compression of the nerve produces numbness, tingling and, eventually, hand weakness. Proper Physiotherapy treatment can relieve the tingling and numbness and restore wrist and hand function.

    Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

    • Carpal tunnel syndrome can be made worse if the wrist is overextended repeatedly
    • Repeated motions of your wrist contribute to swelling and compression of the median nerve
    • Poor positioning of your wrists while using a keyboard or mouse
    • Prolonged exposure to vibrations from using hand tools or power tools
    • Any repeated movement that overextends your wrist, such as playing the piano or typing
    • Gripping frequently, even an iPad or book for long periods of time
    • Lifting free weights
    • Gripping weight machines at the gym or home
    • Resting your head on your hand with your wrist in a bent position

    Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:

    • Numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb and first three fingers of the hand
    • Pain and burning that can travel up the forearm
    • Wrist pain at night that interferes with sleep
    • Weakness in the muscles of the hand

    Physiotherapy Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

    • Wrist splints that hold your hand in a neutral position, especially at night
    • Avoiding activities that put your wrist into extreme positions up or down
    • Ultrasound and Interferential current can help to reduce the swelling in the Carpal Tunnel
    • Proper posture for work and home while reading, working on the computer, etc.
    • Exercises done in physical therapy may also be helpful
    • Acupuncture may help to stimulate the median nerve and relieve pain

    Overall, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a very uncomfortable condition. It can interrupt your life and your sleep. Getting the proper Physiotherapy Treatment Program is very helpful! PhysioNow has fully trained Registered Physiotherapists standing ready to help you Now! Please call today to get started on relieving your pain!