Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common occupational condition that causes paralysis of the hands. People whose daily life and work require long-term flexion of fingers and wrists. e.g. cleaners and homemakers. Or folks have long-term use of vibrating tools, e.g. construction workers. Or civilian personnel who require long-term use of keyboards and mice may cause inflammation of the aponeurosis, which will cause oedema and compression of the median nerve.
To understand Carpal tunnel syndrome, we must first understand the wrist structure. The wrist comprises eight small carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament forming the Carpal tunnel. There are 9 Flexor tendons and Median nerve passing through the carpal tunnel. The median nerve line is responsible for the sensory and muscle control of 3.5 fingers (thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger). The carpal tunnel is a small space. Suppose the tendon or soft tissue in the tunnel becomes inflamed. In that case, it will compress the median nerve line, causing paralysis and tingling in 3.5 fingers. Sometimes, the pain will get worse at night. If it’s getting serious, it will cause muscle atrophy of the thumb and affect the fingers’ muscle strength and the thumb’s control function.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is mainly caused by long-term strain. Daily care can help prevent tendon strain and reduce the risk of the condition. Everyday life should minimize repetitive actions or avoid prolonged high-frequency vibration tools. If you have to do it due to work, you should adequately allocate rest time and frequently stretching exercises.
Mild to moderate patients should choose non-surgical methods to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, and the role of exercise training is getting more and more attention. The purpose of exercise training is to improve the elasticity of soft tissues, increase muscle strength, reduce the inflammation of the wrist, and reduce pain and numbness through targeted activities.
Wrist flexion – Hold a bottle of water in your hand, palm up, exert force to move the palm upwards, and slowly return to the original position.
Wrist extension – Hold a bottle of water in your hand, palm down, exert force to move your palm upwards, and slowly return to the original position.
Radial deviation of the wrist joint – Hold a water bottle vertically with the palm of your hand facing forward, and the wrist joint bends toward the thumb side, slowly returning to the original position.
Wrist joint ulnar deviation – Hold a water bottle vertically with the palm of your hand, move the wrist joint toward the little finger, hold for 5 seconds, and slowly return to the original position.
Radial and Ulnar Wrist Movement – Place your palm horizontally on the table, keep your fingers close together, bend to the left, hold for 5 seconds, bend to the right, hold for 5 seconds, and then return to the original position.