For most of us, using our hands is a big part of our professions, whether that happens to consist of typing at a computer or building a house.  Another component of many occupations is that the task we perform needs to be completed over and over, in a repetitive fashion.  Unfortunately, the repetitive motions involved in some professions—like assembly line work and jobs that use vibrating hand tools—can do some damage to the wrist and lead to a painful condition called carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).  This condition can cause hand and wrist pain in Laurel, but our hand therapists see CTS regularly and have an effective strategy to address it.

The carpal tunnel is a space at the base of the palm that contains a number of tendons and the median nerve, which provides sensation to most of our fingers.  If these tendons thicken or any other swelling occurs in the area, this tunnel narrows, which puts pressure on the median nerve and leads to CTS.  Symptoms usually start with a burning or tingling sensation, but eventually pain, weakness and/or numbness develop in the hand and wrist, and then radiate up the arm.  As CTS progresses, symptoms usually get worse when holding certain items, and the hand weakness and numbness may occur more frequently if the pressure on the nerve continues.

The greatest risk factor for developing CTS is any task that requires repetitive hand motion, awkward hand positions, strong gripping, mechanical stress on the palms or vibration.  CTS can therefore occur in any line of work that contains one or more of these components.  Though office work and repetitive typing may be a potential cause of CTS, the chances of developing it are three times higher for individuals who perform assembly line work like manufacturing or meatpacking.  Other professions and sports that have a high risk for CTS are sewing, baking, cleaning, sports like racquetball and hand ball, and playing string instruments like the violin.  In addition, the rates of CTS are higher in pregnant women and those with diabetes and some other metabolic conditions, and the likelihood of developing it increases with age.

How our physical therapists can address your hand and wrist pain in Laurel

If you happen to work a job or are involved in some other activity with a high risk for CTS and have been dealing with hand or wrist pain in Laurel, our physical therapists can help.  By prescribing exercises and educating you on some necessary changes to make, treatment will help to reduce your symptoms so you can continue to complete your job or hobby unencumbered.  Here’s what a treatment program will typically consist of:

• Education
  • Change your wrist positions and avoid keeping your wrist bent for too long
  • Use proper neck and back posture and avoid slouching
  • Practice good workplace ergonomics: in the office, this means keeping the keyboard directly in front of you, close by, and at a height so your shoulders are relaxed, elbows slightly bent, and wrist and hands straight
  • Keep your wrists straight when using tools and also while sleeping
  • Try to avoid flexing and extending your fingers and wrists repeatedly
  • Minimize repetitive, strong grasping with the wrist in a flexed position
  • Take frequent breaks to rest your hands and wrists
  • Modify your tools to make a more comfortable grip
  • Use anti-vibration gloves or wraps when using vibrating tools
• Ice/heat to relieve pain
• Stretching exercises for the wrist, hand and fingers
  • Median nerve mobilization
  • Nerve gliding exercise
• Strengthening exercises for the wrist, hand and fingers
• A night splint to reduce discomfort

Contact CAM Physical Therapy at 301-844-6427 today to schedule an appointment at any of our four locations in Glenn Dale/Bowie, Laurel, or Hyattsville, or Silver Spring, MD, or click here for more information on exercises for CTS.