Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Do your hands, wrists, or forearms ache on a daily basis? Are your daily activities, such as typing or lifting, harsh on those areas? Do you tend to feel painful stings with arm, hand, or wrist movement? If so, you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome in Muncy or Montoursville, PA.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can cause numbness, stiffness, or pain that can radiate through your fingers, hands, wrists, or forearms. This happens when too much pressure is put on your median nerve, located at the base of your palm. Your carpal tunnel is a narrow channel, about the width of your thumb, located on your wrist under the palm. It protects the median nerve, as well as the tendons you use to bend your fingers. When excessive pressure is put on the median nerve, it causes crowding and irritation of the carpal tunnel, making it difficult for it to do its job.

Many people will correct this condition with surgery; however, physical therapy has been proven to be just as successful in some cases (if not more so!) At Lycoming Physical Therapy, we will safely and comfortably treat your carpal tunnel symptoms. For more information, call our office today.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Essentially, any excessive use of the fingers, wrists, hands, or forearms can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. It is a very common condition, affecting approximately 1 out of every 20 Americans, and accounting for almost 50% of all work-related injuries. Assembly-line work is the most common source of carpal tunnel syndrome, although those who perform jobs demanding extensive use of hand tools, keyboards, or the operation of heavy machinery are also at risk for developing this syndrome. Certain leisure activities have also been known to lead to this condition, such as sewing, playing string instruments, or participating in sports involving racquets.

Some health conditions can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, such as:

• Previous injury to the wrist, including strains, sprains, dislocations, and fractures.
• Fluid retention, typically during pregnancy.
• Use of medication, typically steroids.
• Hormone or metabolic changes, including thyroid imbalances, pregnancy, and menopause.
• Degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Diabetes.

Can physical therapy help treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

When people develop this syndrome, many immediately think they will need surgery. However, with every surgery there are risks involved, not to mention the overwhelming expense and recovery time that comes along with it. Physical therapy is a safer, healthier, and more comfortable option for those experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome. At Lycoming Physical Therapy, we will employ similar manual therapy techniques to help treat your condition, in addition to any other treatments that your physical therapist deems fit after your evaluation.

We are dedicated toward helping you achieve a pain-free life, with the least amount of discomfort possible. Why opt for surgery when there is another option that can help you return to the activities you need to much faster? Request an appointment to get started on the path toward relief.