Are you spending more time on the computer and your phone checking fantasy football teams? Or is your significant other spending more time on social media because of the football/ fantasy football take over in your house? With the increased time on the computer or cell phones have you noticed tingling, numbness, or pain to the palm of the hand? If so , you may have some irritation to the carpal tunnel.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem that effects the hand and arm and causes tingling/ numbness, weakness, pain, and difficulty with fine motor skills. It happens when there is increased pressure within the wrist on a nerve called the median nerve. This nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index, and middle fingers, and to half of the ring finger. While there are still questions on the exact causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, there is an association of carpal tunnel syndrome in individuals who have diabetes or perform work that has repetitive gripping or places the wrist in a flexed position. In mild cases, splinting, activity modification,ergonomic changes, and avoiding repetitive gripping can be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. In moderate to severe cases where muscle loss or tingling/ numbness occurs all day, seeing a physician for electrodiagnostic studies or surgery is the recommended treatment route.
Suppose you are experiencing any of the symptoms described. In that case, it is essential to see your physical therapist or physician as soon as possible. This is when more treatment options are available, and this can prevent more severe symptoms from developing. Treatment for mild cases should include:
- Strengthening activities that involve gripping and instead should focus on active motion.
- Splinting.
- Class IV Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
- Activity modification and possibly an injection from the physician.
For more detailed intervention strategies or more information on carpal tunnel syndrome, please contact Fyzical Therapy Balance and Hand Centers 915-855-7780
Good luck to everybody's football teams and fantasy football teams!
-Joe Cole, PT, DPT, CHT
joe.cole@fyzical.com