Ever get that strange tingling sensation in your hand? Like your hand has fallen asleep, but it’s still wide awake? 😴 Well, say hello to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – one of the most common hand problems out there!
But don’t worry, your hands aren’t betraying you, and the great news is that there’s plenty occupational therapy can do to help get those fingers back to feeling strong and steady again!
Let’s explore some interesting facts about carpal tunnel and find out why your hand might feel like it’s on a "pins and needles" mission. Plus, discover how occupational therapy can provide relief.
Interesting Fact #1: Your Nerve’s Passageway Is a Tight Fit!
Ever wonder what exactly causes that “pins and needles” feeling in your hand? It all comes down to a little nerve called the median nerve that passes through your wrist’s carpal tunnel (no, it’s not a secret train station 🚉). This narrow tunnel sometimes gets even tighter due to inflammation, putting pressure on the median nerve and causing numbness and tingling in your thumb, index, and middle fingers.
OT tip: Occupational therapy can help reduce the pressure on your median nerve with targeted hand exercises, wrist splints, and ergonomic adjustments for your workspace.
Interesting Fact #2: Repetitive Movements Are Often the Culprit
Typing, texting, knitting, or gaming for hours can make you a prime candidate for carpal tunnel syndrome. 🙌 Repetitive hand movements inflame the area and shrink the space available for your median nerve. It’s like asking your nerve to squeeze through a too-small doorway, causing that frustrating pain or numbness.
OT tip: Your occupational therapist can teach you simple stretches and posture improvements to prevent repetitive strain injuries and ease the pressure on your wrists.
Interesting Fact #3: Women Are More Likely to Get Carpal Tunnel
Did you know that women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men? The reason has to do with anatomy – women generally have smaller carpal tunnels, which means there’s less room for the median nerve to pass through. This makes women more prone to nerve compression.
OT tip: If you’re feeling early signs like tingling or numbness in your fingers, getting started with occupational therapy can help prevent symptoms from worsening, reducing the chance of needing surgery.
Interesting Fact #4: It’s Not Just an Office Worker’s Problem
Contrary to popular belief, carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t just affect people who are constantly at a keyboard. It can affect anyone who does repetitive hand motions – from hairstylists 💇♀️ to bakers 🍰 to musicians 🎸. Even your favorite hobby could be a contributing factor!
OT tip: Occupational therapists are experts in helping you modify activities and adjust your hand movements to reduce the strain on your wrists while still letting you enjoy your favorite hobbies and work.
Interesting Fact #5: Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Are Worse at Night
Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome notice that their symptoms get worse at night. This is often because we tend to sleep with our wrists bent, which increases the pressure on the median nerve while you rest. That’s why you might wake up with a numb hand in the middle of the night!
OT tip: Wearing a wrist splint while you sleep can help keep your wrist straight and reduce the pressure on your nerve. Your occupational therapist can guide you on choosing or creating the best splint for your needs.
How Can Occupational Therapy Help With Carpal Tunnel?
Now that you know a bit more about what causes carpal tunnel syndrome, let’s talk about how occupational therapy can help you find relief!
An occupational therapist can work with you to:
Strengthen key muscles to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Guide you through stretching exercises to keep your wrists loose and healthy.
Offer ergonomic adjustments for your workspace to promote better posture and reduce strain.
Create a custom wrist splint to help you avoid night-time numbness or tingling.
Provide strategies for managing symptoms so you can continue your daily activities comfortably.
Wrapping Up: Give Your Wrists the Attention They Deserve!
Your hands and wrists work hard for you every day, whether you’re typing, cooking, or creating. If you’ve started to feel tingling, numbness, or pain in your hands, it may be time to take action and protect your wrists from further strain.
Occupational therapy is here to help you address these issues early on and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from getting worse. Let’s work together to keep your hands and wrists healthy, happy, and pain-free!
Get in touch:
If you’re experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t wait to get help! Reach out to Chazen Swanepoel & Partners today to book an appointment. Visit our website, or contact us via WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram to learn more about how we can help you regain comfort and function in your hands and wrists.
Комментарии