With Christmas fast approaching and the latest Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox or Wii games on Christmas lists everywhere, the incidence of repetitive strain injuries over the holiday period is bound to increase.
Commonly associated with repeated finger and thumb movements, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition that arises from compression of the Median nerve as it passes across the wrist.
The Median nerve extends from the lower portion of your neck (nerve roots C5, C6, C7, C8, & T1) running the length of your arm and crosses the wrist, before reaching your hand. It provides sensation and movement to the thumb, index finger, middle finger and thumb side of the ring finger.
The area at your wrist where the nerve enters your hand is called the Carpal Tunnel. This tunnel is a relatively narrow structure housing a number of tendons that help to work the fingers, as well as blood vessels and the Median nerve.
Due to its narrow formation, the area can become inflamed by the friction caused by tendons repetitively sliding through the area. Any inflammation will add to the congestion and can lead to compression of the Median nerve.
Sufferers may notice localised sharp pain at the Carpal Tunnel. Symptoms also include tingling and numbness into the palm, thumb, index finger and middle finger, as well as weakened grip strength. Bending the wrist forwards to 90 degrees, or tapping the Carpal Tunnel area may also recreate the tingling or numbness.
Immediate treatment would include reducing the irritable, repetitive movements of the fingers or wrist. Use of anti-inflammatory medication and icing the area can also help to reduce inflammation as much as possible.
If this does not relieve the symptoms it is always worth having the issue assessed by a physiotherapist to identify the exact cause of the pain. Due to the route the Median nerve has to travel, some symptoms may be aggravated by poor posture or muscular restriction away from the point of pain. In these cases, stretches and massage may be provided to areas around the forearm, shoulder or neck.
If you have any questions about or need any treatment for, a ‘computer-related injury’ feel free to contact one of the team at Drummond Clinic on 01628 639 532.