Carpal tunnel syndrome involves your wrist’s carpal tunnel pressing on your median nerve. Your carpal tunnel is an area in your wrist that comprises ligaments and bones that create a small hole or passage that the nerve runs through. The pressure can cause pain, tingling and weakness in your hands and wrists. After speaking with your physician, you may start searching for Redmond physical therapy for more information.
How Can Carpal Tunnel Affect Daily Life
If you have carpal tunnel, you probably have difficulty completing daily and work-related tasks. You may have tingling and numbness when you work on a computer. You could have difficulty holding, lifting and carrying things. Something as simple as brushing your hair can become painful.
Carpal Tunnel Risk Factors
Several characteristics or factors make you more vulnerable to carpal tunnel disease. First, women have smaller carpal tunnel areas, making them more prone to getting this condition. In addition, injuries to your wrist area, including dislocations and fractures, can impact your carpal tunnel. Medical and inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, thyroid disorders, lymphedema, kidney issues and diabetes, can impact your nerves and tissues.
Pay attention to the side effects of medicines and body fluid changes. Obesity is another factor. Finally, your work can impact your carpal tunnel, especially if your job requires repetitive motion, lifting or flexing your wrist frequently.
Treatments For Carpal Tunnel
If you find that you cannot complete daily or work tasks, you should see a physician, especially if your sleep gets interrupted. If you wait too long, your body may suffer nerve and muscle damage. First, your physician may splint your hand and wrist to keep it steady and prevent compression. You may also receive anti-inflammatory medications.
Your physician may suggest that your company change your work or create a more ergonomic environment that protects your wrists. Surgery is often a last resort option, but physical therapy that stretches and strengthens your wrists is common before and after surgery interventions.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Carpal Tunnel
As you search for Summit physical therapy, you should understand how it can help you. First, physical therapy strengthens the muscles in your wrist so it can support the movements and tasks you need to complete. In addition, as the muscles strengthen, they become more stable and prevent nerve damage.
Physical therapy also reduces pain because it opens the carpal tunnel. A reputable physical therapist will also address your posture and give you exercises to improve it so your wrists and hands remain in the proper position.
Finding Your Perfect Match: Essential Considerations When Choosing a PT
To find the right physical therapist, you should first seek recommendations, especially from your physician. You should also make sure the clinic takes your medical insurance. Search for a therapist with a specialization in hand therapy. Create a list of questions. Then, interview the therapist and tour the clinic.
Be sure to ask for references and check them as well as online reviews. Finally, ask about the clinic and therapist’s availability, typical in-facility and in-home treatment plans and expected recovery times.
If you have a hand therapy specialization and experience creating custom treatment plans, you may search for physical therapy jobs near me, but if you suffer from carpal tunnel, find the best therapist available to help you.