What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition affecting the junctional area between the wrist and the heel of the hand. This narrow space carries important nerves and tendons supplying the palm and fingers; when it becomes congested, there may be symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the fingers or hand, or problems with manual dexterity. The congestion may be the result of a number of different general conditions involving fluid congestion, including pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis, or it may be more local in nature. Careful evaluation of the cause needs to be made, as the appropriate treatment will vary accordingly.

Although Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common finding, it is also often misdiagnosed, such as in cases of problems with the base of the neck, where the nerves that supply the hand exit from the spinal column, or general tightness and congestion in the forearm itself, which is frequently found in deskbound computer operators.

Treatment

Standard medical treatment includes splinting, steroid injections or in severe cases, surgery, but it is worth starting with physical therapy such as osteopathy, because the treatment will be based on careful evaluation and diagnosis, and may prevent the need to consider more invasive methods.

Can an osteopath help?

Mathieu, Jessica and I are registered osteopaths in Ealing and Uxbridge. Please call either clinic – 020 8566 0767 (Ealing) or 01895 20050 (Uxbridge) – to speak directly to one of us about your symptoms, whether we can help and the options available (no obligation – read more about what to expect on your first visit here).