The initial symptoms may be innocuous and fleeting; an ache in the wrist which may then extend into the forearm or into the hand. Later, as the condition develops, you may notice numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers, or pain that begins radiating through the entire arm. Sometimes weakness is present in the arms or the hand, and grasping objects can be difficult. Oftentimes the symptoms will be most severe upon waking up in the morning, or when using your hands.
Here are some ways to minimize the stress on your hands:
When doing tasks, reduce your force and relax your grip. Try putting foam padding around gardening or other tools to cushion your grip. Most people use more force than is required when gripping an object.
Watch how you hold your wrists. Repetitive motions performed by cashiers, hairdressers, sewers and workers using a keyboard can contribute to Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Ideally, you should keep your wrists straight or very slightly bent.
Take frequent breaks; set a timer for every hour or two to remind you to take a break. Stretch, bend and massage your wrists and hands to promote circulation and blood flow
Be sure your form is correct when performing repetitive tasks on the computer, with tools, or in sports. Be sure your equipment fits you properly and consult a coach to make sure your posture and form are correct. When working on a keyboard, make sure your posture is correct. Incorrect posture can cause your shoulders to roll forward, and shorten the muscles in the neck and shoulders, causing the nerves in your neck to be compressed. This in turn can affect your wrist, fingers and hands.
Ice can be helpful to reduce pain and inflammation, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can often help.
Wearing a wrist splint may also help, especially to keep the wrist straight at night, when many people have a tendency to curl the wrists. Bracing the wrist at night will help you keep it straight, reducing the discomfort of carpal tunnel syndrome in the morning.
If you or someone you know is experiencing pain, tingling, numbness or pain in the wrist and hand, contact Dr. Rehman’s office today. She will do a complete evaluation, and her experienced team of hand therapists will use a variety of modalities to help you get relief and to return the wrist and hand to full functioning. And, if surgery should be required, Dr. Rehman is a hand specialist, and has performed many successful Carpal Tunnel release procedures. Contact Dr. Rehman today to get relief from the pain and back on the road to full strength and mobility.
Anything that reduces the blood supply to the wrists, hands and fingers can cause nerve damage, and this damage creates the feeling of numbness or tingling in that area of the body.
A variety of activities and conditions can contribute to this reduced blood supply. Sometimes repetitive motions over a long period of time, such as in a work, hobby or sports setting, can be a factor. Diabetes can reduce the blood supply to peripheral areas of the body, resulting in nerve damage. Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis can also cause this condition, as can certain chemotherapy drugs used for cancer treatment.
Some of the most common conditions causing numbness or tingling are:
Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon in the body. Tendons attach muscles to bones, and are responsible for helping to create movement. Normally tendons glide smoothly, but when they become inflamed, this process is affected. Stiffness, pain, and sometimes tingling is noticeable. Sports or other injuries can cause this sudden inflammation, but so can repetitive motions from working on a computer, repetitive manufacturing jobs, sewing, playing a guitar or other activities.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage through the wrist that houses and protects the median nerve, running from the hands all the way up the arm. When this tunnel becomes inflamed, pressure is placed on this nerve and pain, numbness and tingling can occur. Some people are genetically more prone to this condition; others can develop it over time from repetitive motions involving the wrists and fingers.
Again caused by inflammation, in this case the tendons in the fingers, this condition causes a finger or the thumb to become “stuck” in a bent position, and then to snap back when it releases, much like a trigger releasing. Early signs of trigger finger can include stiffness when you move the finger, your joint “popping” when you move it, or a bump at the base of the finger. Repetitive grasping or gripping motions are usually the source of this condition. If not treated properly, the digit can become permanently bent.
The most important step to take when you are experiencing numbness or tingling in the hands is to start with a proper diagnosis of the cause of the condition. It is best to consult a doctor who specializes in treating the hands and the upper body, as these are delicate structures involving complicated interactions between the tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones and muscles.
Most causes of tingling and numbness can be treated with a variety of non-invasive techniques, and will successfully resolve with proper treatment and time. Sometimes a surgical intervention is necessary, and in this case you definitely want a hand surgeon; an orthopedic doctor with specialization in the hands, wrists and upper body.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hand, finger, wrist or upper extremity pain, contact Dr. Rehman today. She will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the root of the problem, and will design a comprehensive treatment plan to help you attain a full recovery.
Carpal Tunnel syndrome is an insidious condition, and symptoms of it can range from a mild tingling or numbness in the hands and wrist, to full-blown pain and inability to use the hand. If left untreated for too long, the damage can become permanent.
But to diagnose and treat it correctly, you need the right doctor.
Orthopedic doctors are specialists in treating injuries and conditions of the muscles and skeleton of the body, but within this category there are specialists. The hand and the upper extremities are very complex and interrelated; doctors who specialize in these areas are known as “hand surgeons.”
But that term can be misleading, as not all Carpal Tunnel issues involve surgery. A comprehensive program can often be designed to minimize the aggravating activity and help the area heal. This is where the specialist and her team of hand therapists come in. Depending on the situation, a variety of techniques may be used. Splinting to immobilize the wrist and hand may be required, plus medication and special exercises to strengthen the area. Sometimes an injection of Corticosteroid may be given, to help reduce swelling and inflammation. Each case is different, and individualized plans are designed for each patient. Follow-through on the exercises and the doctor’s orders will determine how quickly the condition heals and how soon you can return to your regular activities.
With today’s rapidly-developing technology, specialization in medicine is not just good but necessary. If you feel you are suffering from any of the effects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, reach out to Dr. Rehman and her team of specialized Occupational Therapists for a full evaluation and a comprehensive treatment program. With proper help, Carpal Tunnel does not have to be a lifelong condition.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is rare in children or young adults. It is seen more often in women than in men, and more frequently between the ages of 40 to 60.
Certain health issues can put individuals at greater risk of developing CTS. Health problems or illnesses that cause pain or swelling in the arm or hand, or that reduce blood flow to the hands can set the stage for the development of CTS. Obesity, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis can all initiate this problem.
People who work with their hands can develop the condition; even those who enjoy hobbies like knitting, sewing or hours of computer games may experience CTS. Some of the occupations that are especially at risk are laborers and freight workers, movers, and stock and material professionals. Office managers, administrative support personnel, janitors, maids and housekeeping staff also have a greater likelihood of developing the condition.
CTS can sometimes develop in women toward the end of a pregnancy, although often in this case the condition resolves on its own. And women in menopause are more likely to experience CTS, making a connection to hormone fluctuation a possible contributing factor.
If you are experiencing unusual pain or numbness in your fingers or your hand, seek a professional consultation from a qualified Orthopedic surgeon such as Dr. Rehman. She will provide a thorough medical exam to define the exact nature of the problem, and her team of hand therapists will help to implement a comprehensive treatment plan designed specifically for you.
Unusual prickling sensations can happen in any part of the body, but the hands are wrists are especially likely for this condition to develop. Sometimes the sensations go away quickly, like when you sit on your feet and they “fall asleep”. But if numbness and tingling are on-going issues, the underlying cause could be more serious.
Common conditions that can cause numbness and tingling in the hands are:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Caused by compression of the Median nerve that runs through your wrist, this often is the result of repetitive motion activities. Certain occupations are more at risk for this condition: butchers and meat packers, sewing and finishing workers, data entry personnel and some assembly line workers. Repetitive bending and straightening of the wrist causes tissues around the tendons to swell and impact the Median nerve.
Flexor Tendon Injury: Flexor tendons in the hand are responsible for helping us bend the fingers. An injury or a trauma to one of these tendons can result in a tingling or burning sensation.
Ganglion cysts: These are noncancerous, fluid-filled lumps that can develop along joints or tendons, putting pressure on nerves and causing a tingling sensation in the hand.
Skier’s Thumb: So called because it is a common snow skiing injury, in this situation an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament results in not being able to pinch the thumb and fingers together, and can involve numbness or tingling.
Since numbness and tingling are signals that something is not right with the nerves in the affected area, it is best not to self-diagnose or self-treat. The hands and wrists are delicate structures that can perform amazingly complicated maneuvers, and we want to keep them that way! If you are experiencing tingling or numbness in the fingers or hands, contact a Board Certified Orthopedic doctor such as Contact Dr. Rehman for a full evaluation and comprehensive treatment plan. She has a team of hand specialists that work with her, who can get you back to full mobility and make those annoying sensations go away for good!
Called “Carpal Tunnel Release”, the surgery for this painful condition is one of the most common surgeries in the US today. Since the hand and wrist are such delicate and complex mechanisms, with incredible sensitivity, you should seek out a hand surgeon who is highly trained and who employs the latest surgical technology.
Traditional Open Release surgery requires an incision about two inches long at the wrist. The surgeon then cuts the carpal tunnel ligament to make more room in the carpal tunnel and relieve the pressure on the median nerve. This surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis, unless there are other complicating medical conditions.
Newer surgery, called Endoscopic Surgery, requires only one or two incisions, about ½ inch each, in the wrist and the palm. A camera attached to a tube is inserted so the surgeon can see the tissue, and using small instruments the surgeon cuts the carpal ligament to release the pressure on the nerve. This surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Far less damage is done to the surrounding tissue, and recovery time is usually much less from this type of surgery than the traditional Open Release procedure.
Nontheless, this is still a surgical procedure and recovery time must be expected. Full recovery could take two or more months, and patients should undergo physical therapy after surgery to re-build wrist strength and flexibility. A well-planned rehabilitation plan is essential, and Dr. Rehman employs specialized therapists to help each patient gain a full recovery. Always consult with a Board Certified specialist like Dr. Rehman when you have issues involving your hand or your arm.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects three times more women than men. Possibly because the carpal tunnel, a narrow, rigid passageway made up of bones and ligaments and located at the base of the hand, tends to be smaller in women, swelling, injury or pressure on the median nerve is more easily accomplished, creating the pain and the problem. People with diabetes and other metabolic disorders that affect the nerves can also be at higher risk of developing the condition.
Some occupations seem to lend themselves to the development of carpal tunnel issues. It is especially common in people who perform assembly-line work; in fact it is three times more common in assemblers than in data-entry personnel. Other occupations that seem to be associated with a higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome are cleaning, meat , fish and poultry packing, and sewing and finishing.
Some workplace accommodations may be helpful. Workers can practice correct posture, and take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks. Stretching exercises and warm-ups before starting work can be helpful. Splints may be worn to keep the wrists straight, and fingerless gloves may help keep the hands warmer and more flexible. Workstations, tools and tool handles may be re-designed to fit the hand more effectively and keep the wrist and hand in a more natural position. These same accommodations can apply to the individual’s home life. Warm-ups and stretching before any athletic endeavors involving the hand and wrist will help prevent many injuries.
If you are bothered by tingling, numbness, or a feeling of itching in the palm of your hand or in your thumb, index and middle finger, or if you have pain radiating up the wrist and the arm, you may have a carpal tunnel issue. Consulting early on with a Board Certified doctor specializing in treating the hand and arm is your best chance for success. Dr. Rehman will provide a thorough evaluation and a therapy program to help you control and eliminate this annoying and painful condition
Carpal Tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve leading from the forearm into the palm of the hand becomes compressed. This nerve is carried through the carpal tunnel, which is a narrow, rigid passageway made up of bones and ligaments and located at the base of the hand. In some individuals, there may be a genetic pre-disposition to a smaller carpal tunnel. In other instances, the tunnel may become narrowed by injury or a thickening of tendons or other swelling. Carpal Tunnels syndrome can also be associated with underlying diabetes and arthritis.
Symptoms usually start gradually and build over a period of time. There may be tingling and/or numbness in the hand, wrist or fingers. As the symptoms worsen, shooting pain can be felt in the hand or even up the affected arm. The problem may be noticed initially in the morning upon wakening; many people sleep with their wrists flexed, and this may exacerbate the condition.
As with other conditions, early intervention will allow for the best use of minimally-invasive techniques to ameliorate the condition. Consult early with a Board Certified doctor who specializes in treating the hand and arm. Initially, the doctor will conduct tests to rule out the underlying conditions of diabetes or arthritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed, to lessen the swelling and pain. A period of rest may be required, and a splint may be used to immobilize the wrist and allow it to heal. Later in treatment, exercises may be employed to foster range of motion, build strength and reduce pain and swelling.
If these techniques and time do not control the condition, surgery may be required. A special hand surgeon, such as Dr. Rehman, performs this surgery using minimally invasive techniques and specialized endoscopic instruments. The special scope allows the surgeon to see the tissue and the ligaments inside the hand, and make the necessary adjustments using tiny instruments. This type of minimally-invasive Carpal Tunnel surgery usually results in minimal scarring and tenderness, and a quicker recovery time than traditional Open Release surgery.
If you are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, consult with Dr. Rehman early for the greatest chance of success using the least invasive procedures.
Repetitive motion disorders (RMDs) are a multitude of muscular conditions that result from repeated motions performed in normal work or daily activities.
RMDs include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Bursitis
Tendonitis
Epicondylitis
Ganglion cyst
Tenosynovitis
Trigger finger
RMDs are caused by too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion, unnatural or awkward motions such as twisting the arm or wrist, overexertion, incorrect posture, or muscle fatigue.
RMDs occur most commonly in the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders, but can also happen in the neck, back, hips, knees, feet, legs, and ankles.
The disorders are characterized by
Pain
Tingling
Numbness
Visible swelling or redness of the affected area
Loss of flexibility and strength.
For some individuals, there may be no visible sign of injury, although they may find it hard to perform easy tasks. Over time, RMDs can cause temporary or permanent damage to the soft tissues in the body, such as the muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments and even compression of nerves or tissue.
Treatment of RMDs
Treatment for RMDs usually includes reducing or stopping the motions that cause symptoms. Options include:
Rest, and stretching and relaxation exercises
Applying ice to the affected area
Using medications such as pain relievers, cortisone, and anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce pain and swelling.
Splints may be able to relieve pressure on the muscles and nerves.
Physical therapy may relieve the soreness and pain in the muscles and joints.
In some cases, surgery may be required to relieve symptoms and prevent permanent damage.
Many companies are now developing ergonomic programs to help workers adjust their pace of work and arrange office equipment to minimize problems, such as chairs, and keyboards.
Recovery
Most individuals with RMDs recover completely and can avoid re-injury by changing the way they perform repetitive movements, reducing frequency and including frequent rest. Without treatment, RMDs may result in permanent injury and complete loss of function in the affected area.
Repetitive motion disorders should always be diagnosed by a physician, as symptoms can be similar, but treatment different, depending upon the disorder. If you are experiencing hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder pain that could be indicative of a RMD, please contact us at Midwest Hand Therapy
There is nothing more frustrating than pins and needles. Couple that with numbness and you have yourself quite the annoying condition. Usually this is the result of keeping an appendage in one place for too long – for instance – sitting on your feet. However if the numbness and/or tingling is persistent and doesn’t go away it could be a sign that there is a greater issue.
Since our office specializes in hand-related injuries and conditions, we are going to share with you some common causes of numbness and tingling in the hands.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – this ailment is a common causes of numbness and tingling, as the repetitive bending and straightening of the wrist causes tissue around the tendons to swell, impacting the Median nerve.
Ganglion Cyst – these non-cancerous fluid filled lumps can develop along tendons or joints, putting pressure on nerves which can result in tingling and numbness.
Flexor Tendon Injury – in the hand, flexor tendons are responsible for helping us bend the fingers. If you experience trauma to your flexor tendon, you may notice numbness in your fingers or finger tips.
Skier’s Thumb – this condition is caused by a disruption to the ulnar collateral ligament and results in a loss of ability to pinch or use your thumb properly. It can happen over the course of time or from a single trauma.
Numbness and tingling can be a sign of a more complex issue – but please, don’t self-diagnose. It is critical that you are seen by a professional, due to the complex and fragile nature of the hand and wrist.
If you experience numbness or tingling – do not wait to contact a doctor. Dr. Rehman is available to help diagnose and treat you! Contact us today!
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