Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What it is: The Carpal Tunnel is the passage in the wrist created by bones on three sides and ligament on the fourth. Through this tiny space, nine tendons pass, as well as the median nerve. It stands to reason that any inflammation of any sort in the carpal tunnel will cause the median nerve to be compressed, thus resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve goes on to the thumb, forefinger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. This is the reason for the burning, tingling feelings and for the numbness and the pain.

Important Facts: The wrist is the slimmest part of the human body. Slim wrists have been considered a sign of beauty for century’s, but people with smaller wrists, it is now known, are at higher risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.

The carpals are the very small bones you feel when you touch your wrist. In the wrist is the carpal tunnel, which is enclosed by the carpals on three sides, and on the fourth side, by a transverse carpal ligament. Within this narrow space, is not only the median nerve, but also nine flexor tendons. These tendons help you bend your wrist and fingers. As you can imagine, it’s a pretty tight squeeze. If for some reason the carpal tunnel is too small, or if the tendons within the tunnel become larger, your median nerve will be compressed equaling carpal tunnel syndrome.

Treatment Duration: Some patients have mild problems and can be fixed in 1-4 weeks; others take longer.

Do’s/Don’ts: Avoid Repetitive Strain Injuries while working at the computer. The best thing you can do is make sure you take adequate breaks. A break every twenty minutes can do wonders. This is especially important if you have any tingling or pins and needles sensation in your palm, because these are the first signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. There are specific stretches to do during these breaks: The first stretch is called the Prayer Stretch. Simple start with your hands in a prayer position and slowly as tolerated bring palms down and hold for 10 seconds, 3x a day.

The second stretch is wrist extension. It is holding your arm out straight and slowly bringing your palm back with the opposite hand as tolerated for a 10 second hold, 3x a day.

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Carpal Tunnel Relieving Exercise:

One of the most effective is the median nerve glide, which involves gentle bending and straightening of the fingers without bending or straightening of the wrist. This may help because it moves the median nerve and tendons that go through the carpal tunnel. This helps to relieve swelling and some of the pressure on the nerves because it pumps out fluid from the carpal tunnel.

Statistics: “Only 23% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients were able to return to their previous professions following surgery.” Source: NIOSH

“Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery has about a 57% failure rate following patients from 1-day to 6-years. At least one of the following symptoms re-occurred during this time: Pain, Numbness, Tingling sensations.” Source: Nancollas, et al, 1995. J. Hand Surgery.

Steroid (Cortisone) Injection Statistic: Failure rate (Including “partial success” as failure) is 72.6% after 1-year follow up. Source: Irwin, et al. J Hand Surgery.

Breakthrough Treatment: At Kauai Therapy & Wellness in Puhi implements a revolutionary treatment method for carpal tunnel syndrome that offers immediate wrist and hand pain relief using, no needles, no drugs and no surgery! This treatment is so cutting edge, you will not find this anywhere else on Kauai. Call Kauai Therapy & Wellness today to learn more!