Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can leave you in pain and discomfort. This condition can arise from constant flexing of the wrist which causes irritation in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. This condition also puts pressure on the median nerve of the wrist, which causes a lot of other symptoms. If you or someone you know is suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, making an appointment at East End Occupational Therapy for Long Island Carpal Tunnel Treatments can help make your recovery easier! We can provide you with an efficient and effective exercise regimen to get you back to working as quickly as possible.
Risk Factors
The causes of carpal tunnel syndrome aren’t entirely known. However, it is commonly thought to be caused by a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors. Some of the risk factors include:
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- A repetitive profession. Working in a position where you repetitively use your hands can put you at higher risk for having carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of these professions include desk work with keyboarding, electrical work, and construction.
- Obesity. Obesity and higher weight levels can put someone at a higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Pregnancy. Being pregnant puts a toll on a woman’s body. On top of other problems that pregnancy can cause, it increases the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Since this condition already causes inflammation in the wrist, it adds to the pressure and stress in that area of the body. People with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to contract carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Gender. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women than in men.
- Other medical conditions. Other conditions including menopause, kidney failure, and thyroid disorders can put someone at a higher risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are limited to the wrist and hand region, but can still put a person’s life on hold. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is a good idea to look for occupational therapy. For Long Island Carpal Tunnel Treatments, reach out to us at East End Occupational Therapy. Some of the symptoms in the affected hand include:
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- Tingling
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Pain in the hand, thumb, pointer finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger
- Stiffness
Treatments
It is very important to seek occupational therapy if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. If you are in need of Long Island Carpal Tunnel Treatments, contact us at East End Occupational Therapy and get the help you need. Depending on your level of severity, there are surgical and non-surgical options for treatment. It may be a good idea to practice some non-surgical exercises and treatments first, and then see if surgery is needed afterward. Some steps you can take before considering surgery include:
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- Decreasing the harmful repetitive wrist movements that you do every day
- Ice your wrist for 10-15 minutes, twice per hour while you are experiencing symptoms
- Wear a wrist splint while you are sleeping to avoid any movements during the night
- Rest
- Ask your doctor about pain medications or corticosteroid injections
- Practice wrist exercises
If these treatments do not work out, it may be time to consider having surgery done to treat your carpal tunnel syndrome. Your healthcare provider can steer you towards a treatment plan that works for you. If you do receive surgery for your carpal tunnel syndrome, you must find an effective way to recover afterward.
How Can Occupational Therapy Help?
Occupational Therapy is a very important step in the healing process for people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Your therapist can administer postoperative therapy to ensure proper healing and effective strengthening of the tissue in the hand. Without occupational therapy, a person recovering from carpal tunnel syndrome can develop an infection, nerve damage, stiffness, and pain where the surgery was performed. Occupational therapists help a recovering patient by increasing their range of motion, reducing swelling, decreasing pain symptoms, administering splints, providing help with adjusting to everyday activities, and more!
Long Island Carpal Tunnel Treatments
If you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome from activities associated with your job then look to East End Occupational Therapy for Long Island Carpal Tunnel Treatments. We will provide you with concentrated care focused on remedying your ailments and getting you back to working at normal capacity. Being out of work due to an injury can be a stressful time, worrying if your position will be terminated or if you will be able to return to your position and complete your work at the same capacity you once could. We can help you heal from your injuries as efficiently as possible. Don’t hesitate to call us at 631-676-4185 or schedule an appointment online today!
Tips For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in your hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur when you pinch a nerve in your wrist. This can be the result of many everyday activities. Carpal tunnel syndrome can negatively affect your daily life, so try Long Island Carpal Tunnel Treatments at East End Occupational Therapy!
What Is The Best Thing To Do For Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by excess pressure in your wrist and on the median nerve. Some conditions that are linked with carpal tunnel syndrome are:
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- High blood pressure
- Wrist fractures or trauma to the wrist
- Diabetes
- Fluid retention
Carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen with repeated motion. Repeated motion of the wrist can cause swelling and compression of the median nerve. Some examples of this are using hand tools or power tools with repeated movements that overextend your wrist, like typing or playing piano and the position of your wrists while typing or using a computer mouse. Luckily there are a lot of treatments to choose from for carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome can get worse over time, but Long Island Carpal Tunnel Treatments can help you treat it so you can recover. Here are some of the best things to do for carpal tunnel syndrome:
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- At-home care – You can help ease the symptoms of carpal tunnel by icing your wrist at home. This will help reduce swelling and soothe the pain. You can also take OTC medication like ibuprofen.
- Wrist Braces – This is a good treatment if you have more moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Your hand therapist will likely have you wear the brace to bed to prevent you from bending your wrist while you sleep. The brace can also be worn during the day while you’re doing activities that cause flare-ups.
- Activity Changes – Repeated motion activities can often set off your carpal tunnel syndrome. Take breaks when needed and stretch your hands.
- Occupational and Physical Therapy – A hand therapist can help you by providing you with exercises to strengthen and stretch your wrist and hand muscles.
If your carpal tunnel syndrome is severe, your doctor might recommend a medication like corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation. Long Island Carpal Tunnel Treatments can help come up with a treatment plan to suit your needs.
Contact Us | Long Island Carpal Tunnel Treatments
Hand and upper extremity rehabilitation is our specialty at East End Occupational Therapy! Our team will provide you with expert care through a client-centered approach. Contact us today so we can help relieve your carpal tunnel syndrome!
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people, often hindering their ability to perform everyday tasks. Understanding the early warning signs of CTS can lead to timely intervention and effective treatment. At East End Occupational Therapy, we specialize in providing comprehensive Long Island carpal tunnel treatments designed to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Early Symptoms to Watch For
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- Numbness and Tingling: One of the earliest signs of carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. This sensation often occurs while holding objects, such as a phone or a steering wheel, and can be particularly bothersome at night.
- Hand and Wrist Pain: Persistent pain in the hand or wrist, sometimes extending to the forearm, is a common symptom of CTS. This pain can disrupt sleep and make it challenging to perform routine activities.
- Weakness in the Hand: Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience weakness in their hands, making it difficult to grasp or hold objects. This weakness can lead to frequent dropping of items and trouble performing fine motor tasks like buttoning a shirt or writing.
- Swelling Sensation: Although there may be no visible swelling, many people with CTS report a feeling of swelling in their fingers. This can create discomfort and further hinder hand function.
- Symptoms that Worsen with Activity: Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome often worsen with prolonged use of the hand and wrist. Activities that involve repetitive motions, such as typing, can exacerbate the condition.
Importance of Early Detection
Early detection and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome are crucial in preventing permanent nerve damage and maintaining hand function. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability. Seeking professional help at the first indication of symptoms can significantly improve outcomes.
How East End Occupational Therapy Can Help
At East End Occupational Therapy, we offer a range of Long Island carpal tunnel treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Our expert therapists utilize a variety of approaches to reduce nerve compression and relieve symptoms.
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- Ergonomic Assessments: We conduct thorough ergonomic evaluations to identify and modify activities or postures that may be contributing to CTS. This can include adjusting workstations or recommending adaptive tools to reduce strain on the hands and wrists.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Our specialized exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles of the hand and wrist, improve flexibility, and enhance overall function. Regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the progression of CTS.
- Splinting: Wearing a splint, particularly at night, can help keep the wrist in a neutral position, reducing pressure on the median nerve. Our therapists will guide you in selecting and using the right splint for maximum benefit.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, such as massage and mobilization, can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation in the affected area. These methods are part of our comprehensive Long Island carpal tunnel treatments aimed at providing relief and promoting healing.
- Patient Education: Empowering patients with knowledge about carpal tunnel syndrome is a key component of our approach. We provide education on symptom management, activity modification, and preventive strategies to help you take control of your condition.
Learn More About Us
Recognizing the warning signs of carpal tunnel syndrome and seeking early intervention is essential for effective management and recovery. East End Occupational Therapy is dedicated to providing the best Long Island carpal tunnel treatments, helping patients overcome the challenges of CTS and regain their quality of life. If you are experiencing any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t wait—contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward relief and recovery.
