Carpal tunnel syndrome – why your desk job is a pain (literally)
The wrist is a very small and overlooked part of the body. However, there are so many structures packed into such a small space that the wrist joint becomes very complex.
The wrist and hand are made up of 27 bones, 27 joints, 34 muscles and over 100 ligaments and tendons. Since movements at the wrist rely on the coordination of many structures, synchronicity and stability are important elements of a healthy wrist.
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects 10% of people at some point in their lives. In 2010, carpal tunnel syndrome affected almost 5 million US office workers. It is the most common tech wrist diagnosis, and its prevalence reflects the increasing reliance on computers in office spaces. Let’s break it down:
What is it?
The carpal tunnel itself is a narrow passageway in the wrist made of bones and ligaments and houses the median nerve and various tendons. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve in this passageway, which causes numbness, tingling and pain that affects the middle, ring and pinky fingers.
What causes it?
- It is caused by prolonged and repetitive wrist flexion, extension or deviation that increases pressure inside the carpal tunnel of the wrist, inflames tendons and compromises the median nerve. In short, prolonged keyboard and mouse use can put you at risk.
Who gets it?
The obvious answer is that office workers and labourers who undergo repetitive wrist movements have a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. To dive deeper, carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women than in men. It occurs most often in people aged 50-54. old. Additionally, people with certain conditions that increase pressure in the carpal tunnel have a higher risk, such as those with diabetes, menopause, hypothyroidism, obesity, arthritis and pregnancy.
What is the treatment?
Leaving carpal tunnel syndrome untreated can cause permanent nerve damage. Fortunately, there is a range of effective treatment options. Splinting is the most widely used method. It reduces nreducesn and, when coupled with targeted physiotherapy, does well to improve long-term function. Corticosteroids can improve short-term pain by reducing the inflammation of the median nerve and surrounding structures. Surgery can address the underlying cause of pain by releasing pressure on the median nerve through transecting the transverse carpal ligament. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used as an alternative to surgery due to its proposed regenerative effects. Research found that a single perineural platelet-rich plasma injection can provide therapeutic benefit for 1 year after injection.tion.
Leaving carpal tunnel syndrome untreated can cause permanent nerve damage. Fortunately, there is a range of effective treatment options. Splinting is the most widely used method. It reduces nreducesn and, when coupled with targeted physiotherapy, does well to improve long-term function. Corticosteroids can improve short-term pain by reducing the inflammation of the median nerve and surrounding structures. Surgery can address the underlying cause of pain by releasing pressure on the median nerve through transecting the transverse carpal ligament. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used as an alternative to surgery due to its proposed regenerative effects. Research found that a single perineural platelet-rich plasma injection can provide therapeutic benefit for 1 year after injection.tion.
What is the take-home message?
Carpal tunnel is one of many wrist injuries, most commonly diagnosed in office workers. Physiotherapists play a large role in the diagnosis and management of carpal tunnel syndrome. If left untreated, it can have serious life-long implications, so take care of yourself and book in to get your tech wrist looked at!
