The nerve responsible for providing feeling and movement to the “thumb side” of your hand is called the median nerve. The area in your wrist where the median enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel.
This tunnel is narrow, so any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain, numbness, weakness, pain up to the elbow, or tingling.
Repetitive motions of the hand and wrist can trigger carpal tunnel syndrome. These motions include:
- Typing
- Writing
- Painting
- Playing musical instruments
- Playing sports
- Sewing
- Driving
- Assembly line work
- Use of hand tools
Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Active Release Techniques have been highly effective for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. The reason this works so well is because the techniques specifically target abnormalities in the tissue (in this case, the tissue that directly affects the carpal tunnel) by combining precisely direction tention with very specific patient movements to achieve a “release” in the muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves.
Contemporary Medical Acupuncture improves circulation and muscle nutrition to problem areas, as well as helps restore muscle strength and decrease pain through nerve communication at many levels of the central nervous system.
You may also be directed to try to wear a splint for several weeks, along with hot/cold compresses to try to control the swelling. Occassionally, surgery is suggested.