The Carpal Tunnel is the small gap in the carpal (wrist) bones. Blood vessels, nerves and muscles all pass through this gap to the hand from the forearm. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome essentially refers to the swelling within this small gap.

The median nerve enters the hand through the carpal tunnel. As the space within the Carpal Tunnel is reduced by swelling, the Median Nerve becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist, this causes painful sensations in the wrist, hand and thumb.

For those who suffer carpal tunnel syndrome, the swelling rises the pressure within the Carpal Tunnel to above 30mmHg compares to normal circumstances (i.e. no carpal tunnel syndrome) which is less than 10mmHg. Wrist movements in those with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome could send the pressure rise above 90mmHg. As a result, it causes more pain in the wrist, hand and thumb.

Possible Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Repetitive activities that involve wrist movement, such as typing, playing computer games, operating vibrating machinery and tools.
• Pregnancy - caused by fluid collecting around wrist joints and pressing on the median nerve.
• Any underlying medical condition that can cause swelling in the wrist, such as diabetes, arthritis, hypothyroidism and following wrist fractures.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Signs & Symptoms

• Numbness, pins and needles, and pain (particularly at night) in the wrist, hand or thumb. The sensation may extend from your wrist up your arm.
• Decreased grip strength, may experience weakness in your hand and a tendency to drop objects as a result of the numbness in your hand or weakness of the thumb's pinching muscles which are controlled by the median nerve.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

Take regular breaks at work and rest from activities such as typing hammering or racquet gripping can be very helpful.

Here are a few items that can assist patients in relieving carpal tunnel syndrome pain.

Cold therapy – can be helpful in reducing pain and swelling. Compare to a simple ice pack, the Hand & Wrist Cryo/ Cuff is a better option as it can circulate cold water and apply controlled compression for several hours. You can use ice treatment for 10 – 20 minutes following activity as a preventative measure.

Wrist Splint/ Carpal tunnel splint ––acts as a defensive layer of shock absorption to prevent excessive stress from being placed on the wrist and caused pressure in the carpal tunnel to increase. As a result, it can significantly in relieving carpal tunnel syndrome.

Aircast A2 Wrist Brace has two removable stabilizers/ splints located above and below the wrist to protect, support and control wrist movement while allowing full finger function. Besides, the wrist brace is lightweight and made of breathable to ensure comfort.

Aircast A2 Wrist Brace with Thumb Spica have all the features and advantages of Aircast A2 Wrist Brace, with added thumb spica, to protect and immobilize the thumb in a neutral position which helps to speed up the healing process of thumb injuries.

Therapeutic putty

Hand therapy putty exercises are a great way to regain dexterity of your hand as it can help to promote hand-muscle strength, increase endurance and range of motion, finger-flexion and tendon gliding etc.

The therapeutic exercise putty available in various colours, each colour-coded putty has a different consistency and resistance level, it ranges from soft for strengthening the weakest grasp to extra firm for developing a stronger grip.

Therapy Balls

Squeeze the therapy ball to relieve wrist stiffness, increase dexterity and mobility of hands and fingers. The therapy ball is made to fit the contours of the hand. With four colour-coded densities, ranges from x-light to heavy. It can be used for most stages of rehabilitation. And it is portable.

Resistance Hand Exerciser

Using hand exerciser is a great way to improve hand muscle and grip strength. The hand exerciser enables you to develop isolated finger strength, flexibility, and coordination as it builds hand and forearm strength. Perfect for  rehabilitation of carpal tunnel, arthritis, stroke, fractures, tendon injury, nerve lacerations, tennis elbow and more.

Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Reduced or avoid repetitive wrist movements during sport activities or work.
• Take regular breaks to prevent wrist tissues from becoming overloaded and inflamed.

The information above is general in nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subject matter covered. It is not a substitute for medical advice and you should always consult a trained professional practising in the area of sports medicine in relation to any injury. You use or rely on the information above at your own risk and no party involved in the production of this resource accepts any responsibility for the information contained within it or your use of that information.