What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve (nervus medianus) is compressed or pinched within the wrist, inside a narrow space known as the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is a tight passage in the wrist, with the bones of the wrist forming the floor and solid ligaments forming the roof. Through this tunnel pass the tendons that enable finger movements, as well as the median nerve, which controls movement and sensation in the first three fingers and part of the fourth finger.
When the space in the carpal tunnel narrows, it puts pressure on the median nerve, which can cause pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness in the hand and fingers. This condition usually develops gradually but can become serious if not treated promptly.
Why is it important to treat carpal tunnel syndrome?
Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is crucial to prevent further nerve damage and reduce the impact this condition can have on daily life. If left untreated, prolonged compression of the median nerve can lead to permanent loss of sensation in the fingers, decreased hand strength, and even inability to perform everyday tasks such as writing, holding objects, or doing household chores.
Besides physical problems, inadequate treatment can cause serious emotional consequences such as frustration and stress, since the patient is unable to carry out normal work and personal activities. Recognizing symptoms early and starting appropriate treatment on time can significantly improve quality of life and prevent long-term complications.
Using a comprehensive treatment approach, including physical therapy, medical management, and even surgical intervention when necessary, can help reduce pain and discomfort, as well as restore hand and wrist function.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by various factors that lead to compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. These factors range from everyday activities and work habits to genetic predispositions and certain medical conditions. Below is a detailed overview of the key causes of this condition:
Repetitive motions and ergonomics
One of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome is the repetition of the same hand and wrist movements over a prolonged period. This is especially common among people whose jobs require constant typing, mouse use, playing instruments, or manual labor that involves frequent bending or strain on the wrist. Repetitive motions can cause inflammation of the tendons within the carpal tunnel, reducing the space through which the median nerve passes and creating pressure on the nerve.
Ergonomics—the way we use our bodies in daily activities—also plays a crucial role in both preventing and contributing to the syndrome. Poor hand positioning, poorly adapted workstations, or improper hand placement during work can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Using improper postures while working with a keyboard or mouse can create constant pressure on the wrist, leading to nerve compression.
Genetic factors and anatomical abnormalities
Genetic predispositions and anatomical irregularities can also contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. If your relatives have had this condition, you are more likely to develop it yourself. People with naturally smaller carpal tunnels—narrower spaces where the nerve passes—are at higher risk for nerve compression.
Additionally, certain anatomical abnormalities, such as wrist injuries or bone structure irregularities, may increase the risk. For example, a broken bone or scar tissue within the carpal tunnel can create physical barriers that press on the nerve. This can worsen the condition if not treated timely.
Other risk factors (obesity, pregnancy, diseases like diabetes)
Obesity: Excess body weight can increase pressure on the joints, including the carpal tunnel. Obesity may contribute to inflammation in the body, which can cause tendon swelling and reduce the space inside the carpal tunnel.
Pregnancy: During pregnancy, women may experience weight changes, hormonal fluctuations, and fluid retention, which can cause tissue swelling in the carpal tunnel and pressure on the median nerve. Pregnant women often experience symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially in the second and third trimesters.
Diabetes: Diabetes can cause neuropathy, or nerve fiber damage, increasing the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. People with diabetes have elevated blood sugar levels, which can weaken the nervous system and increase susceptibility to nerve compression in the carpal tunnel.
In addition to these factors, other health problems such as arthritis, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease can increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, arthritis can cause joint inflammation and swelling, further narrowing the carpal tunnel space and leading to nerve compression.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist joint, becomes compressed or irritated. This compression can cause various symptoms that usually develop gradually. Symptoms may vary in intensity and duration, but most commonly include the following:
Pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands
One of the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is pain in the hand, wrist, palm, and fingers. The pain usually begins in the palms or fingers and can spread to the forearm. People suffering from this condition often feel tingling or numbness in the hands, especially in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. These symptoms often worsen after performing repetitive activities such as typing on a keyboard, using a mouse, playing musical instruments, or other activities involving the use of hands and wrists.
Tingling and numbness may be caused by nerve compression, which interferes with the normal transmission of nerve impulses to the fingers and hands. People with carpal tunnel syndrome often describe the sensation as an “electric shock” through the hand, which can occur even with minimal physical activity or even at rest. This usually worsens when bending the wrist or during prolonged use of the hands.
Weakness in the hands and fingers
As carpal tunnel syndrome progresses, loss of strength in the hands and fingers may occur. Nerve compression can make it difficult to control the hands and fingers, making it hard to hold objects, clench the fist, or perform everyday tasks that require precision. People with carpal tunnel syndrome may notice dropping objects from their hands or difficulty writing, working with tools, or doing tasks involving fine motor control.
Weakness in the hands can result from damage to the muscles controlled by the median nerve. As the nerve becomes increasingly compressed, muscle atrophy (shrinking) may occur in the base of the thumb area, leading to loss of function and weakness.
Worsening of symptoms at night
One of the most characteristic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is the worsening of symptoms at night. Many people with this condition report that pain, tingling, and numbness most often occur during the night, frequently waking them from sleep. This phenomenon is likely due to the position of the hand and wrist during sleep. When the hands are bent or positioned unnaturally during sleep, pressure on the carpal tunnel increases, causing nerve compression.
People with carpal tunnel syndrome often need to change the position of their hands during the night to relieve symptoms. Many also experience loss of hand strength upon waking, with pain and tingling lasting some time until the hands “wake up” and blood circulation returns to normal.
Sometimes, it is necessary for a person to get up and move or massage their hands or even use cold compresses to reduce pain and discomfort. The increase of symptoms at night is a sign that nerve compression has become serious and that therapeutic intervention is needed.
Additional Symptoms That May Occur
Besides the main symptoms, people with carpal tunnel syndrome may also notice the following:
Reduced sensitivity to touch in the fingers.
Tightness or pain in the wrist joint.
A feeling of weakness or “loss of control” in the hand, especially when performing precise tasks.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can gradually become more severe, and if they are not recognized and treated in time, they can cause permanent damage to the nerves and muscles of the hand, leading to long-term difficulties in performing everyday activities.
Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at In Fizio In Locco Center
At In Locco Physio Center, we provide specialized physiotherapy services designed to help treat carpal tunnel syndrome and reduce its symptoms. Our team of experts uses the most advanced techniques and treatments to ensure faster recovery, pain reduction, improved hand functionality, and prevention of further complications.
Physical Therapy
Electrotherapy Treatment:
Electrotherapy uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles and the nervous system, helping to reduce pain and improve tissue function. This therapy is commonly applied for injury treatment, chronic pain, and muscle rehabilitation.
Therapeutic Ultrasound Treatment:
Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to treat injuries and pain in muscles, tendons, and joints. It helps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue healing.
Shockwave Therapy Treatment:
Shockwave therapy is a treatment method that uses high-intensity acoustic waves to relieve pain and stimulate tissue regeneration. It is often used for treating muscle, tendon, and joint injuries.
Laser Therapy Treatment:
Laser therapy uses low-intensity light (laser) to stimulate the healing process, reduce pain, and decrease inflammation. This therapy is frequently used for injury treatment, chronic pain, and to speed up tissue regeneration.
Magnetotherapy Treatment:
Magnetotherapy uses magnetic fields to improve circulation, reduce pain, and accelerate the healing process. This therapy is commonly applied in the treatment of injuries, inflammation, and chronic joint and muscle problems.
Orthopedic Aids and Wearing Bandages
When it is necessary to stabilize the hands and wrists to reduce pressure on the median nerve, our center recommends the use of orthopedic aids and bandages. Our physiotherapists will help you find the appropriate support that keeps the wrist in the correct position, reducing strain during daily activities and allowing you to sleep without pain. The orthopedic devices we recommend support the natural position of the hand and reduce excessive pressure on the nerve, leading to a decrease in pain and inflammation.
Specialized Exercises for Strengthening and Stretching the Hand
At Fizio and Estetik Center In Locco, we offer specialized exercises designed to improve hand mobility and reduce tension in the wrist. The stretching and strengthening exercises focus on enhancing hand flexibility and strength, thereby reducing pressure on the median nerve. Our team will teach you how to perform these exercises correctly so that you can continue them at home, which will help further reduce symptoms and prevent the recurrence of the problem.
Education and Prevention of Further Injuries
Our physiotherapists not only provide treatments but also educate patients on how to change daily habits that may worsen carpal tunnel syndrome. You will learn how to adjust your workstation (workplace ergonomics), avoid excessive strain on your hands and wrists, and practice proper techniques to prevent the recurrence of symptoms.
Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Ergonomics at the Workplace
One of the key factors in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome is proper ergonomics at the workplace. Workers who spend long hours at computers or perform repetitive manual tasks, such as writing, using tools, or operating machinery, should arrange their work environment in a way that minimizes strain on the hands and wrists. Proper positioning of the keyboard, mouse, and work surface can significantly reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Keeping the wrists in a neutral position, with elbows bent at a 90-degree angle, and avoiding excessive bending of the wrist can prevent strain.
Breaks and Stretching
Regular breaks and stretching are crucial in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome, especially when work involves static postures or repetitive movements. It is recommended to take breaks every 20-30 minutes to relax the hands and wrists. Short breaks relieve muscle tension and prevent overloading. Simple stretching exercises for the hands, wrists, and fingers can improve circulation, increase flexibility, and prevent stiffness. At Fizio and Estetik Center In Locco, we provide guidance and supervised physiotherapy exercises that can be incorporated into daily routines to maintain hand flexibility and reduce joint tension.
Strengthening Hands and Wrists
An important aspect of preventing carpal tunnel syndrome is strengthening the hands and wrists, which helps maintain their stability and reduces the risk of injury. Physiotherapy programs that include targeted exercises for strengthening the hands, palms, and wrists can improve muscle endurance and prevent overloading the joints. These exercises may involve using light weights, resistance bands, and specialized techniques that help preserve the strength of the joints and muscles, thereby reducing pressure on the carpal tunnel. Fizio and Estetik Center In Locco offers personalized programs including these exercises to improve functionality and prevent injuries.