Carpal tunnel syndrome
- 1. How to recognize carpal tunnel syndrome and what you can do
- 2. What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
- 3. Common symptoms
- 4. Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
- 5. When you should contact healthcare
- 6. What you can do yourself without using medication
- 7. Exercises you can do at home
- 8. Preventive habits for the future
- 9. Our products that can provide relief
How to recognize carpal tunnel syndrome and what you can do
Usually, the symptoms can be alleviated with small lifestyle changes and proper support during the day and night. But it's also good to know what you can do yourself and what aids are effective.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
The syndrome occurs when the space in the wrist narrows. This can be due to being born with a narrow carpal tunnel, placing excessive strain on the hand with repetitive movements, or inflammation setting in, especially during pregnancy or hormonal changes. Diseases such as diabetes, rheumatism, or thyroid problems can also contribute.
- Some people are born with a narrower carpal tunnel, which increases the risk of nerve compression.
- Repeated wrist movements or working with vibrating tools can increase strain on the wrist.
- The condition is more common in women, especially during pregnancy or menopause, due to hormonal changes affecting fluid balance in the body.
- Diabetes, rheumatic diseases, and thyroid disorders can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Common symptoms
Discomfort often appears during rest or nighttime sleep, especially if your wrist is bent for an extended period. You may wake up with numb fingers, as if your hand is "asleep." The pain can also radiate up the forearm and sometimes make it difficult to hold objects. If the symptoms have persisted for a long time, the thumb may weaken and muscle mass may decrease.
Symptoms occur when pressure increases on the median nerve in the wrist. One of the clearest signs is numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and sometimes even half of the ring finger. These discomforts often appear at night or during activities where the hand is held in the same position for a long time, such as driving, working at a computer, or doing household chores.
It is common to wake up with your hand "asleep" or feeling a tingling current through your fingers. Sometimes the discomfort extends up towards the forearm and elbow. In women, these symptoms usually appear in middle age, often without any clear cause. Many also describe reduced sensation and a burning feeling in the hand, making it difficult to grasp objects or perform fine motor movements. Everyday life is affected – buttoning clothes, typing on a phone, or carrying groceries can suddenly become challenging.
If the symptoms have been present for a long time without treatment, muscle weakness in the hand may be noticed, especially in the thumb grip, which further impairs grip strength. It is important to understand that you do not need to seek acute care immediately, but one should be aware of persistent symptoms and seek care if the discomfort does not resolve on its own.
Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
Treatment primarily aims to reduce pressure on the median nerve and alleviate symptoms affecting daily life. In most cases, treatment begins with wrist support, especially at night. By keeping the hand in a neutral position, wrist flexion and thus pressure on the nerve are reduced, often leading to quicker symptom relief. Many who suffer from numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger experience improvement after just a few nights of use.
In addition, ergonomic adjustments in daily life can make a big difference. This involves avoiding repetitive movements, adjusting working postures, and ensuring the hand gets sufficient rest. If symptoms persist, a doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medications or injections to reduce swelling and irritation around the carpal tunnel.
In some cases, especially when symptoms are severe or do not improve with conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary. The procedure aims to relieve the median nerve by widening the carpal tunnel, which usually yields good results. However, it is always important to first try self-care and adaptations, as many with mild to moderate symptoms can achieve significant improvement without surgery.
When you should contact healthcare
Often, self-care is sufficient, but certain signs mean it's time to seek help. This applies if you feel weakness in your thumb, if numbness prevents daily tasks, or if symptoms do not subside despite using wrist support. In such cases, it is wise to contact 1177 for assessment.
What you can do yourself without using medication
It may be enough to change how you use your hand during the day. Try to avoid bending your wrist as much as possible and take breaks from repetitive work. A wrist orthosis (especially at night) helps keep the hand straight, thereby relieving pressure on the nerve.
Exercises you can do at home
There are simple exercises you can do to loosen up your wrists and muscles. Try extending your arm with your palm down and gently bending your wrist towards you, holding for a few seconds, then releasing. Another variation is to slowly lift your fingers one by one with your palm flat on a table.
Another option is to bring your thumb towards your little finger without tensing your hand tightly, then relax. These small movements a few times a day can help keep your hand soft and mobile.
Preventive habits for the future
By reviewing how you sit at the computer, using an ergonomic mouse or tools, and taking short breaks, you can reduce discomfort. Good wrist support at night, proper work technique, and avoiding strain with a bent wrist also help.
Our products that can provide relief
With us, you'll find orthoses and supports specifically designed for carpal tunnel syndrome. We offer wrist supports that keep your hand in the correct position and relieve pressure on the nerve. Feel free to explore our range and find the support that best suits you.
How do I know if I have carpal tunnel syndrome?
You often feel numbness, pain, and weakness in your thumb, index finger, and middle finger, especially at night or with repetitive movements. If this sounds familiar, you might consider trying a wrist support.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome get better on its own?
In some mild cases, symptoms can decrease if you change your habits and use a wrist support. If the problems persist, you should contact healthcare for further assistance.
Which wrist support is best for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Wrist supports that keep the wrist in a neutral position are highly recommended. At Rehcore, we offer wrist supports specifically designed to alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome be prevented?
Yes, by avoiding repetitive movements with a bent wrist, taking regular breaks, and using ergonomic tools, you can reduce the risk of developing the syndrome.
Image by BruceBlaus. "Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014". WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436. - Own work, CC BY 3.0, Link
