Is Carpal Tunnel Serious?

Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash

Hands On Fire

By Dr Khong Lamvichit July 13, 2019  3 mins

What Kind Of Condition Is This?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling mainly through the arms and hands.  The median nerve is the major nerve that gets squeezed or compressed as it traverses through the wrist.  

Most patients with the condition will worsen over time, but lucky you're reading this article because you'll be able to address the symptoms early on.  Symptoms will could be relieved with avoiding specific activities; however I encourage symptomatic patients to perform the later on exercises to re-introduce proper movement into your ligaments and tendons. 

Constant pressure on the median nerve potentially could lead to nerve damage or worsening symptoms.  To prevent permanent damage or surgery to take off the pressure to the median nerve you could either fast forward to the exercises or continue reading to enlighten your noggin.

How Long Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Last?

The Cleveland Clinic suggest numbness takes longer to relieve, maybe up to 3 months.  Surgery also will not help if you do not have carpal tunnel syndrome.  As an added bonus, pain in the palm around the incisions could also last up to a few months post surgery.    

How Serious Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Some people and health care providers make CTS sound morbid; however the truth of the matter is this condition is usually not serious.  If you were able to see a chiropractic doctor, physical therapist, or other soft tissue practitioners you would be able to address the symptoms immediately without having to go into surgery.  To all the hand orthopedic specialist, sorry but not sorry to take away your business.

How Do I Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome At Home?

Now aren't you glad you read this article.  Here are four easy ways to treat your carpal syndrome at home:

1.  Wrist twirls:

• start by folding your hands together
• then twirl hands and wrist in small circles
• perform 2-3 sets x 30 circles each direction

2.  Prayer stretch:

• start by placing your palms together and spread fingers apart
• then descend your palms top down from neck to chest
• perform 2-3 sets x 30 reps

3.  Arm wringing

• reaching  arms straight out from your sides
• then twist your arms in opposite direction (ie: left arm thumb up and right arm thumb down)
• perform 2-3 sets x 30 turns​

4.  Jazz hands

• relax or elevate your hands and wrist by your side (immerse in warm water prior for a synergistic effect)
• then shake hands and wrist vigorously
• perform 2-3 sets x 30 shakes

These are additional wrist equipment and appliances to help find relief from your typing, construction, or hand gripping related job you're apart of.

1. Rocktape for carpal's tunnel spacing

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2. Gel thumb spica for carpal's tunnel spacing

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3. Wrist/Thumb splint for carpal's tunnel spacing

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4. Hot/Cold therapy & Air compression brace for carpal's tunnel spacing

Dr Khong Lamvichit

Dr. Khong Lamvichit has been establishing himself as the movement doctor in physical therapy, writer, presenter, sports injury doctor and chiropractic sports physician in Chicago, IL. Currently owner and president of Midwest Sport and Spine Inc.  at River North in Chicago, IL.  See his bio...