Sports Medicine Insights

Understand – Rehabilitate - Prevent

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow structure in wrist that serves as a passageway in
the wrist for nerves and tendons of the hand and fingers. One of the nerves that
passes through the carpal tunnel is the median nerve that controls feelings in the
thumb, index, middle and ring finger as well as the muscles around the base of
the thumb.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed leading to
numbness, tingling or weakness in the wrist or hand. The compression is caused
by a narrowed carpal tunnel due to swelling or inflammation of the tendons that
are passing through it.

What are the causes and risk factors for the

carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by repetitive wrist and finger flexion or
forceful hand movements due to sports or work-related activities. Other factors
include hormone changes (e.g. related to pregnancy), age or various medical
conditions that contribute to joint swelling.

WHAT • Numbness and tingling in the hand / wrist / forearm

• Pain in the hand / wrist / forearm that can radiate to the shoulder
ARE THE • Weakness in the muscles of the affected area, e.g. losing of grip strength
SYMPTOMS? • Stiffness in the fingers (especially in the morning)

• Rest
• Avoidance of aggravating activities
WHAT ARE • Wearing a wrist splint during the day or at night  
THE TREATMENT • Ice or anti-inflammatories for swelling and pain management during the acute phase
OPTIONS?  • Exercise rehabilitation that focuses on stretching, increasing range of motion and
   improving strength

Exercise programming and prevention strategies

The exercise protocol to prevent or improve the carpal tunnel syndrome should focus on regaining range of motion and
strength of the elbow wrist, finger extensors and flexors. Apart from that it is important to reduce the risk factors
associated with carpal tunnel including by taking frequent breaks, paying attention to your ergonomics and improving
your posture. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to determine which would be the best treatment
approach for you.

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