Occupational Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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 Occupational Therapy in Amityville 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:

• 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 occupational therapy in Amityville, reach out to us at East End Occupational Therapy. Some of the symptoms in the affected hand include:

• 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 occupational therapy in Amityville, 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:

• 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!

Occupational Therapy in Amityville

If you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome from activities associated with your job then look to East End Occupational Therapy for occupational therapy in Amityville. 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!