Keeping Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Under Control
CTS, or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, is notorious for coming and going. Sometimes, the condition can be like that for years, and this depends on a number of factors such as:
- Age
- Profession: A profession that is fast, repetitive, or have forceful gripping can trigger CTS
- General Health: Conditions like hypothyroid, diabetes, and inflammatory arthritis, especially rheumatoid can trigger CTS. Also, the condition can be brought back by such factors as pregnancy and taking hormone replacement or being on birth control pills.
- Hobbies: Hobbies like knitting, extended use of a computer, crocheting, and using hand tools in several occasions can make CTS come back.
- Obesity
Luckily, there are some things you can consider to control CTS whenever it threatens to come back. Remember, these activities are applicable to everyone including CTS patients in New Port Richey.
1. Rest or engage in another activity
Taking mini-breaks stops the CTS symptoms from worsening, and this improves the symptoms of the condition. For instance, it’s recommended that musicians rest after every fifteen minutes or even 1 – 2 minutes during practice. What’s important to note is rest during an activity, especially those that heavily rely on the use of hands like forceful gripping and/or fast repetitive movements.
2. Lose weight
Obesity is known to cause numerous problems. And today, it turns out that it increases the chances of getting CTS. Obese females over the age of 50 are the most likely individuals to get CTS. So, to control obesity, check your body mass index (BMI) and make sure it’s below 30.
3. Go for Night Splints
Controlling your hand or wrist position when you are asleep is impossible, and there is no argument about that. Unfortunately, the position of our hand/wrist may not be in a neutral position, and this can increase the pressure inside the wrist. Well, an increase in pressure is likely to cause numbness, pain, and burning sensation, thereby, depriving us of sleep. And the discomfort can sometimes be so much that we may be unable to go back to sleep. This is where night splints come in. Ideally, if you have CTS symptoms and you are driving, then you may consider wearing a night splint, as it can be extremely relieving.
4. Remember to Exercise
Generally, exercise is good and even better when it comes to specific conditions such as CTS. The yoga pose doesn’t result in a painful arthritic wrist, and this makes the exercise a perfect solution for CTS. But if you are performing an exercise and you feel a sharp pain, then it’s best to stop it; it may not be good for you.
5. Make sure you perform CTS Specific Exercise
Specific stretches can be helpful in improving the symptoms of CTS. Start by standing at an arm’s-length from a wall, and then keep your elbow straight before placing your palm on the wall while making sure your fingers are pointing downward. From here, slowly bend your wrist to 90 in order to feel a significant stretch in the forearm. Lastly, use your opposite hand to reach across before pulling your thumb back from the wall. Make sure you hold this for 5 – 10 seconds. You may repeat the same procedure on the other side should there be any need. This kind of exercise can be performed several times daily.
6. Your Workstation should be Ergonomically Modified
Changing a workstation is always easier than changing the worker. Therefore, use this as a motivation to ergonomically set up your workplace. Start by positioning the computer monitor in that it’s directly in front of you. Second, make sure the mouse is in a comfortable position, like being on the same level with your computer’s keyboard on a pull-under-the desk shelf. You may also need to change the tool design, as this prevents bending of the wrist and/or firm gripping. Furthermore, you should rotate between numerous job tasks frequently and even allow for stand/sit options. Be sure to assess your work space on a comprehensive note and that your aim is always to prevent extreme wrist positions.
7. Manage Health Morbidity
Make sure your hormone levels, diabetes, thyroid deficiency, and inflammatory conditions are well under control. You may need proper medication (s) together with nutritional support, though the latter is optional. If you are in New Port Richey or anywhere in the world, ensure you consult with your chiropractor about what diet you should rely on.
8. Seek Chiropractic Manipulation
Lastly, seek chiropractic manipulation, especially if the CTS symptoms worsen despite trying out everything. In New Port Richey, the chiropractor may not only introduce you to manipulation but also take you through modalities, mobilization, and other additional exercises. One major advantage of these techniques is that there might be no need for surgery after undergoing one or all of them. However, never wait too long, since CTS is more arduous to treat when it persists for an extended period.