Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Croydon

What can cause CTS?

Can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Traumatic wrist injury such as sprains and fractures
• Repetitive overuse of the wrist (CTS is a form of RSI)
• Pregnancy – causing fluid retention in the wrist
• Occupational overuse of vibrating machinery
• Congenital predilection – some people naturally have a smaller, narrower passage
• Arthritis – Inflammatory and degenerative changes can contribute

Narrowing of the Carpal Tunnel

All of these conditions can cause a narrowing of the space through which the median nerve passes. The cause may be structural such as with a fracture, congenital, or due to swelling, inflammation and fluid retention.

What are the chances of me getting CTS?

CTS is three times more common in women, probably because they physically have a smaller area for the median nerve to pass through. CTS is more prevalent in people with diabetes and other conditions which directly affect the nervous system. CTS usually occurs firstly and sometimes solely in the dormant hand, where it is also more painful. Some occupations and professions pose more risk, accompanied with continually repeating the same movement.

What are the symptoms of CTS?

• Symptoms usually increase gradually and may initially only be present at night.
• May be in one or both wrists.
• A dull ache in the wrist and forearm
• Pain which radiates into the thumb and four fingers (excluding the little finger) but not the palm.
• Sensations of tingling or burning in the hand or four fingers
• Pain which is worse at night
• Pain may radiate into the forearm, elbow or shoulder
• Weakness in the fingers and hands

Treatments for CTS

Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Massage co-management may provide answers and relief in certain instances when the (CTS) is due to degeneration and muscle contracture. Other modalities which may help in addition to alternative and complementary therapies mentioned include Laser therapy, Therapeutic ultrasound, Interferential and stretches.

Prolotherapy treatment

Prolotherapy injections are also used to help with recovery and treatment of wrist pains including CTS. Prolotherapy is provided at our Western Australian Sports Injury Clinic by Dr Masslowski. Prolotherapy treatments use a mixture of glucose and saline which is injected into hard to heal tissue, the body reacts to the area of the injection with a natural healing respose. For more information check our Perth Sports Injury Clinic.