If you have pain, tingling, and weakness in your hands and fingers, you might want to learn more about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). You may have even considered using a splint to support and align your wrist and help relieve some of those symptoms. A doctor knowledgeable about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of CTS, like Dr. Lee Petrucci of La Grange Chiropractic in La Grange, KY, can help you decide if a carpal tunnel splint might benefit your condition. Keep reading to learn more about CTS and treatment options available to you.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the result of a pinched nerve within your wrist. It is considered a repetitive use injury and often results from performing the same motion or holding a position over and over again. While it is often work-related, CTS can also result from sports or other hobby activities.
One incidence of strain among the delicate nerves and many bones in your wrist area, and your nerve can easily be squeezed, causing signals between your hand and brain to be compromised. The result is the pain and numbness that is associated with CTS.
What Are the Symptoms?
The most common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are pain and tingling in the thumb and forefinger. That is because the median nerve travels directly to that portion of your hand. Some people also experience numbness or loss of muscle strength as a result. Because your thumb is vital to daily activities, CTS can quickly become a debilitating condition that affects your regular routine.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
A medical professional will diagnose your condition and recommend the best treatment options for your particular case. In many instances, CTS can be treated with non-invasive options, like stretching and wearing a carpal tunnel splint. Consider these treatment options if you are dealing with symptoms of CTS.
Stretching
Both physical therapists and chiropractors can assist you with stretching exercises that may loosen tightness and improve mobility in your wrist. They may also help you achieve better alignment throughout the area so that you do not aggravate your CTS.
Chiropractic Care
For some people, poor alignment throughout the wrist starts much higher up in the arm or back. If you think this may the case for you, chiropractic adjustments may be able to help. Dr. Petrucci of La Grange Chiropractic can help you assess whether chiropractic care would benefit your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and help relieve its symptoms.
Wrist Support With a Carpal Tunnel Splint
Supports immobilize your wrist and force a proper alignment to reduce irritation and damage to your median nerve. This can be a popular option for many people, but the use of a Carpal Tunnel splint should ideally be a short- term solution to aid alignment within the wrist. Most people who use a carpal tunnel splint will do so at night.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Carpal Tunnel Splint?
Ultimately, it is up to you and your doctor to decide if a carpal tunnel splint can help ease your symptoms. Contact the staff at La Grange Chiropractic in La Grange, KY, today to schedule a consultation. They can discuss treatment options and help you decide which ones will help you achieve the most relief.