Tag Archive for: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treatments for Carpal Tunnel SyndromeCarpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand becomes compressed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand, and houses the median nerve and tendons. Swelling or thickening from irritated tendons narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed, which results in pain, weakness, and numbness in the hand and wrist.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can include burning, tingling, numbness, pins and needles and pain.  Weakness of some muscles in the fingers, thumb and wrist can occur and if left untreated can lead to muscle atrophy.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the result of a trauma or injury to the wrist such as sprain or fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, or a mechanical problem in the wrist joint caused by work stress or a repetitive activity.

Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome:

  • REST – The initial treatment generally involves resting the affected hand and wrist for set period of time, avoiding activities that may worsen your symptoms, and wearing a wrist brace to avoid further damage from twisting or bending.
  • BRACE – A removable wrist brace is often advised as a first treatment choice.  The brace keeps the wrist at a neutral angle, allowing the carpal tunnel nerve to rest.
  • MEDICATION –  If there is inflammation, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers, can reduce the swelling and pain.  An injection of steroid into the carpal tunnel is an option, as steroids are known to reduce inflammation.
  • THERAPIES –  Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic treatments are beneficial for this type of injury.
  • MODALITIES – Ultrasound and Laser Therapy help restore circulation, reduce inflammation, reduce swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain, and speeds up the healing process at a cellular level.
  • EXERCISE – Stretching exercises can strengthen your wrist and hand so that you avoid further symptoms in the future.
  • SURGERY – A small operation can cut the ligament over the front of the wrist and ease the pressure in the carpal tunnel.

Initial treatments will include rest, immobilization of the wrist and ice application. Many patients will need to modify their activities and work environment, which can include adjusting keyboards, screens and chair heights, as well as modifying their workouts. These measures, as well as periodic resting and range of motion stretching exercise of the wrists provided by our physiotherapist, can help prevent the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

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How to Treat Wrist Injuries

How to Treat Wrist InjuriesA wrist is made up of eight small bones known as carpals, and a complex configuration of ligaments tendons and nerves.

Wrist pain is common, whether from a sports injury or repetitive motion injury.  Delaying a diagnosis or treatment can result in Carpal tunnel syndrome, or even a permanent disability.  It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms as a quickly as possible to avoid further injury.

Common causes for wrist pain include:

  • Tendonitis –Tendonitis is a common problem that can cause wrist pain and swelling. Wrist tendonitis is due to inflammation of the tendon sheath.
  • Sprains – Wrist sprains are common injuries to the ligaments around the wrist joint. Sprains can cause problems by limiting the use of our hands.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome – Carpal tunnel syndrome is the condition that results from dysfunction of one of the nerves in the wrist. In carpal tunnel syndrome the median nerve is compressed, as it passes through the wrist joint.
  • Arthritis – Arthritis is a problem that can cause wrist pain and difficulty performing normal activities.
  • Fractures – A wrist fracture is a common orthopedic injury. Patients who sustain a broken wrist may be treated in a cast, or they may need surgery for the fracture.

Treating wrist pain depends on the location, type and severity of the injury and how long ago the injury occurred.

Treatments for a wrist injury include:

  • Rest the joint, and allow the acute inflammation to subside
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Ice packs reduces the swelling which is caused by inflammation. The recommended time for application of ice on a new wrist injury is 10 minutes, or until the injured area is numb, and then apply ice every two hours for the first 48 hours after the initial injury.
  • Wrist support or taping can support wrist movements. They will not prevent severe injuries, but may help you perform simple activities while rehabilitating from a wrist sprain.
  • Laser therapy will improved circulation, reduced inflammation and reduced swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain
  • Physiotherapy will restore and strengthen the function and movement of the injured area through exercise, manual manipualtion and modalities.
  • Cortisone injections or surgery may be necessary

Before you start any treatment regime,  always contact your health care practitioner.

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Class IV Laser Therapy Now Available at Diversified Health Clinic

Class IV Laser Therapy Now Available at Diversified Health ClinicWhat is Laser Therapy?

Laser Therapy or “photobiomodulation”, is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects.  These effects include improving healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling.  Laser Therapy has been widely utilized in Europe by physical therapists, nurses and doctors as far back as the 1070’s.

Cellular Effects of Laser Therapy

During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level and metabolic activity increases within the cell, improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane.  This initiates the production of cellular energy ( ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health.

Laser Therapeutic  Effects

During each painless treatment laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area.  This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling muscle spasms, stiffness and pain.  As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

Patient benefits of Laser Therapy

Laser Therapy is proven to bio-stimulate tissue repair and growth.  The Laser accelerates the healing process and decreases inflammation, pain and scar tissue formation.  In the management of chronic pain Class IV Laser Therapy can provide dramatic results , is non-addictive and virtually free of side effects.

Numerous studies show that Class IV Laser Therapy can help with:

Tendinopathies | Osteoarthritis | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Myofascial Trigger Points | Tennis Elbow | Fibromyalgia | Burns | Ligament Sprains | Diabetic Neuropathy | Muscle Strains | Repetitive Stress Injuries | Plantar Fasciitis | Sports Injuries | Shoulder, Back & Knee Pain | Post-Traumatic Injury

Can it be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?

Yes, Laser therapy is often used with other forms of treatment, including physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture and even following surgery.  Other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with laser to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Please contact our health care practitioners to find out how a Class IV Laser can help you feel better, faster. The K- Laser, Class IV  Laser Therapy is Drug free, surgery free and pain free!

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