Steemit Learning Challenge-S22W1: Physical Therapy Intervention: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

thanks to brother @ashkhan as the organizer of this weekly contest and thank you from the bottom of my heart

What's carpal tunnel syndrome? Write in your own words after getting knowledge from the lesson post.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition that occurs when the median nerve in our wrist is compressed or pinched. The median nerve is the main nerve that controls sensation and movement in some of our fingers, such as the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of our ring finger. The carpal tunnel itself is a narrow passageway in the wrist surrounded by bones and connective tissue, where the median nerve and tendons pass through this area.

Pressure on the median nerve is often caused by swelling or inflammation from repetitive hand movements, injury, or certain medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or pregnancy. Symptoms of this syndrome include tingling, numbness, weakness or pain in the hand and wrist that can be worse at night.

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome varies, from changing activities, using a wrist brace to physical therapy. If the condition worsens, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve. To prevent this syndrome, we can do it by reducing repetitive movements, maintaining hand posture and stretching regularly.

How would you diagnose a carpal tunnel syndrome? Any clinical investigation or assessment tests?

Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome usually begins with a clinical examination of the patient's medical history. The doctor will ask about symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the hand, as well as daily activities that involve repetitive hand movements. A physical examination is performed to identify areas of pain or weakness, and to assess median nerve function.

• There are several clinical tests that can be used to aid diagnosis and are as follows.

1. Tinel test: the doctor taps the wrist area lightly to see if there is a tingling sensation or pain in the fingers innervated by the median nerve.

2. Phalen test: usually the patient is asked to bend the wrist forward for 1-2 minutes. If numbness or pain occurs, this could be an indication of carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Muscle strength test: This is done to check for muscle weakness in the affected hand.

In addition to a clinical examination, ancillary tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve studies can be used to measure median nerve function and confirm the diagnosis. Imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be performed if other causes need to be investigated. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent further nerve damage.

Try to practice at least 3 exercises that you have learned from the lesson. Share images, gifs or videos while practicing preferably gifs or videos.

• To exercise to prevent or overcome carpal tunnel syndrome, we can try three simple movements as follows.

1.Wrist stretch: stretch your hand forward with the palm facing out, then slowly pull your fingers back with your other hand.

2.Wrist shake: Gently shake your hand to loosen the muscles and nerves.

1. Squeezing the ball: use a small ball or sopns, squeeze it slowly to train hand strength.

And do each exercise for 5-10 seconds and repeat several times. And this will help relieve pressure on the median nerve and increase hand flexibility.

Share your review after performing these exercises either on yourself, healthy individual or patient.

After doing the exercises for preventing carpal tunnel syndrome, I feel my wrists become more relaxed and flexible. Stretching the wrists helps reduce stiffness, while shaking the hands gives a light feeling. Squeezing the ball also strengthens our hand muscles and improves blood circulation.

Exercises like this are very simple yet effective in maintaining wrist health, especially for individuals who often use their hands for repetitive activities such as typing or manual work. Even for healthy people, for example, this exercise is very useful as a preventive measure against potential pressure on the median nerve in the future.

That's all I can summarize in following the weekly contest edition on health. And also invite @patjewell @aril.hatake @lirvic, hopefully they will be willing to attend and success for all of us.

Regard @fajrulakmal99