Why Do My Hands Go Numb?

By Physiotherapist Jewel Oh

If your hands get pins and needles or go numb when you sleep, you have most likely got a condition called – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

WHAT IS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of a nerve that passes from the forearm into the palm of the hand.

This compression occurs at the carpal tunnel located on the wrist joint, through which muscles, blood vessels and nerves pass through.

WHAT CAUSES CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?

Compression of the nerve at the wrist is likely to happen when there is increased pressure on or within the tunnel.

 

This can occur with swelling around or in the wrist, with prolonged time spent with the wrist in a bent position, or prolonged positions of pressure or weight directly on the wrist.

    • Sleeping with your wrist and hand in a bent position, can compress the nerve, causing symptoms to occur while you sleep.
    • Activities performed in weight bearing such as push ups or yoga, may also cause compression.
    • Repetitive tasks such as forceful gripping and bending your wrist may produce symptoms.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CARPAL TUNNEL?

When compression of the nerve happens, the symptoms you experience are numbness, tingling, weakness or pain in the fingers, hand and thumb.

These symptoms are often worse at night or after repetitive activities.

RISK FACTORS

Arthritis, pregnancy, thyroid disease, obesity and diabetes may put you at a higher risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome.  

HOW CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP?

If you have symptoms similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, one of our qualified physiotherapists at Corio Bay can perform a clinical assessment to diagnose you.

They can then prescribe some specific interventions to treat and improve your symptoms.

For example:

      • Ergonomic Advice

      • Splinting

      • Wrist and finger exercises

      • Swelling management

      • Strengthening

GENERAL ADVICE

To assist in limiting your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, it is recommended:

    • To avoid keeping your wrist in a bent position for a long length of time
    • Avoid prolonged positions of weight bearing on the wrist or hand
    • Take breaks when doing repetitive tasks such as using the computer or heavy gripping.
    • If your job requires the use of tools or equipment with heavy vibration, make sure you take regular breaks to prevent the wrist tissues from becoming overloaded.

How We Can Help!

Give us a call and one of our Physiotherapists can assess and treat your condition!

Book An Appointment

Come and have a chat with one of our physiotherapists to see if we can help improve your health. Book online or call the clinic on (03) 5232 2400.