SOMA Living January 2023

FROM THE DOCTOR

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

As the weather gets a colder most patients prefer to be indoors and often spend more time on a computer. This puts patients at risk to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and forearm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand, the median nerve, is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist. There can also be inflammation of some of the muscles in the wrist which can also compression the nerve causing the numbness and tingling. Nighttime carpal tunnel symptoms are very common. Because many people sleep with their wrists bent, symptoms may awaken you from sleep. During the day, symptoms often occur when holding something for a prolonged period of time with the wrist bent forward or backward, such as when using a phone, driving, or reading a book. In most patients, carpal tunnel syndrome gets worse over time. If untreated for too long, it can lead to permanent dysfunction of the hand, including loss of sensation in the fingers and weakness. For this reason, it is important to diagnose and treat carpal tunnel syndrome promptly. There are several treatment options available such as wearing a brace/splint, especially at night. This brace will help the patient avoid bending their wrist. Injections are another route to decrease the inflammation. The easiest choice is activity modification to avoid aggravating activities. Physical therapy can help as they can teach you exercises to glide the nerve as well as strengthen the wrist. Ice and cold laser/ultrasound modalities can also relieve pain and inflammation. Physical therapy is proven to be effective at reducing the patient’s symptoms and ultimately helping to avoid surgery. The final treatment option is surgery. However, in some cases, surgery is not effective. An MD or PT will perform an examination to determine the best treatment plan for your situation.

South Orange Rehabilitation & Wellness We provide professional, individualized and effective physical therapy. Our health and wellness interventions promote healthy living and enhanced quality of life for all athletes and patients.

Specializing in: • Post Surgical Knee & Shoulder • Spinal Decompression for Herniated and Bulging Discs • Cold Laser to Increase Healing

SouthOrangeRehab.com (973) 761-0077 177 Valley Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079

Dr. Daniel Roig South Orange Rehab Wellness SouthOrangeRehab.com 973-761-0077

WWW.SCALORA.COM 973.313.3912

JANUARY 2023 | SOMA LIVING 15

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