If you work in an office job, it’s likely that either you or someone you know suffers from carpal tunnel. This particular problem is particularly common in office workers, writers, and musicians, though it can crop up in other fields. At first, people often ignore the pain, but once carpal tunnel has begun, it gets worse over time. If left alone, the pain can increase badly enough that you would need surgery to relieve it. Due to this, it’s best to see a doctor and a physical therapist to manage the condition with carpal tunnel therapy in Doral as soon as possible.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the median nerve in the wrist is compressed by repetitive motion. This can cause numbness, tingling, and sharp pain all up and down the arm. Technically, there is a part of the wrist called the “carpal tunnel” where the carpal bones and a strong band of connective tissue in the wrist that protects the nerves and tendons inside them. 

The pressure on the median nerve happens when the carpal tunnel narrows or tissues are inflamed in that area. This puts pressure on the median nerve, which causes pain and weakness in the hand and arm. 

Who Can Get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?   

There is a stereotype about carpal tunnel. Usually, people assume it affects mostly office workers or people who otherwise work at a computer all day. However, there are a wide variety of reasons why people might get carpal tunnel.

1: It’s in the Family

One little-known fact about carpal tunnel is that it can be hereditary. Some people physically have a smaller carpal tunnel than others, which means that it is much easier to get carpal tunnel from different causes. If a few of your family members have carpal tunnel, then it’s likely that you could be prone to it as well. 

2: You Have A Chronic Illness

Several chronic illnesses make you much more prone to carpal tunnel, like thyroid problems, arthritis, or diabetes. If you have one of these illnesses, it’s far more likely that you might get carpal tunnel. 

3: You Have A Job That Requires Repetitive Hand Motion

After all, the stereotype exists for a reason! People with jobs that require repetitive hand motions are the most common victims of carpal tunnel. Office workers, factory workers, and students are a few of the people most prone to developing carpal tunnel. The above factors can increase the chances of getting carpal tunnel, but the mere act of repetitive motion can be enough to trigger the condition. 

What Are The Symptoms?

Now that we know what carpal tunnel is and who is likely to develop it, how do you know if it’s a problem that you have? There are two significant early symptoms to look out for. First is numbness. Though many people think pain is one of the first signs of carpal tunnel, numbness, and tingling in the fingers are usually the earliest symptoms. People often ‘shake out’ their hand to return feeling to it, or feel shocks like electricity in their fingers. 

Another early sign is weakness. If you are finding that you are dropping objects or having trouble grasping things, you might have carpal tunnel. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to go to a doctor and get an official diagnosis. Carpal tunnel only becomes worse over time, and unless caught early and treated with carpal tunnel therapy in Doral, it can become a problem that interferes with everyday life and even sleep.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Therapy in Doral?

If you catch your carpal tunnel early enough, then you can mitigate the symptoms with carpal tunnel therapy in Doral or the surrounding areas. There are a few common techniques that physical therapists use to minimize and aid in reducing the symptoms of carpal tunnel. 

There are gliding exercises that focus on nerves and tendons. This can help ease the pressure on the median nerve. Another common technique is a brace that someone can wear to reduce the movement of the wrist. More complex techniques include using ultrasound or high-frequency vibrations to decrease the symptoms. 

Here at Progressive Therapy Center, our professional physical therapists are well-trained in many different kinds of physical therapy, including many techniques for mitigating carpal tunnel. Our patient-focused care can help to improve your quality of life and make sure that problems like carpal tunnel don’t progress to the point that surgery is necessary. If you are struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome, contact us for the best carpal tunnel therapy in Doral or anywhere else in the Miami metropolitan area!