What is the Carpal Tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel in the wrist formed by ligaments and bone. The median nerve, which carries impulses from the brain into the hand, passes through the carpal tunnel, along with the tendons that enable the hand to close. When stressed, the tendons swell inside the tunnel and compress the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful progressive condition caused by compression of this nerve in the wrist. Many conditions can lead to compression of the median nerve such as: repetitive movements, acute trauma, arthritis, diabetes and fluid retention during pregnancy and menopause.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
People with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually experience feelings of numbness, weakness, tingling, and burning in their fingers and hands, and therefore, have difficulty in performing tasks such as unscrewing bottle tops, fastening buttons, or turning keys.

How to Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Initial treatment involves resting the affected hand and wrist for at least 2 weeks, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, and immobilizing the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage. Once symptoms have abated, stretching and strengthening exercises of the wrist and hand can be helpful in preventing reoccurrence of symptoms. If not treated, the symptoms may escalate into acute, persistent pain, and require surgery to sever the band of tissue around the wrist and reduce pressure on the median nerve.

How Peoplefit can help
Peoplefit Health and Fitness Center is devoted to improving the health and wellness of people in the greater Woburn community. We use our expertise to create safe and effective individualized exercise programs in order to help you reach your goals. If you would like to speak with a physical therapist about exercise and its effects on any health related condition, please contact us.