Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Presentation on carpal tunnel syndrome, its symptoms, its causes and treatment options.

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2. Contents What is Carpal Tunnel? What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Symptoms Causes Treatment Exercise for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

3. What is Carpal Tunnel? It is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand. It houses the median nerve and tendons.

4. What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Condition wherein the median nerve in the hand becomes pressed at the wrist . T hickening from irritated tendons causes the median nerve to be compressed.

5. Symptoms Tingling of hand Numbness of hand Swollen fingers Decreased grip strength Inability to differentiate between hot and cold by touch

6. Causes Congenital predisposition Sprain or fracture Hypothyroidism Rheumatoid arthritis Mechanical problems in the wrist joint

7. Causes Work stress Repeated use of vibrating hand tools Fluid retention Cyst or tumor Bursitis Tendonitis

8. Treatment Medication Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Corticosteroids

9. Treatment Exercise Stretching and strengthening exercises supervised by a physical therapist are ideal for managing symptoms.

10. Treatment Surgery T he band of tissue is severed around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve

11. Treatment Orthoses The following orthoses help manage the carpal tunnel syndrome pain: W rist hand orthosis T humb spica splint C ock-up wrist splint

12. Exercise for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Extend and stretch both wrists and fingers acutely as if they are in a hand-stand position. Hold for a count of 5 . Repeat 10 times.

13. Exercise for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Straighten both wrists and relax fingers. Make a tight fist with both hands. Then bend both wrists down while keeping the fist. Hold for a count of 5. Straighten both wrists and relax fingers, for a count of 5. Repeat 10 times.

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