what is Carpal tunnel syndrome？
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed in a narrow pathway surrounded by bone and ligaments on the palm side of the hand. This compression can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and arms. Factors such as wrist structure, health issues, and repetitive hand movements can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Proper treatment typically alleviates tingling and numbness while restoring wrist and hand function.
Symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed in a narrow pathway surrounded by bone and ligaments on the palm side of the hand. This compression can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and arms. Factors such as wrist structure, health issues, and repetitive hand movements can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Proper treatment typically alleviates tingling and numbness while restoring wrist and hand function.
Diagnosis
X-ray images show arthritis or fractures, but they cannot detect issues with the spinal cord, muscles, nerves, or disks alone.
MRI or CT scans: generate images that can reveal herniated disks or problems with bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels.
Blood tests: can help determine if an infection or other condition is causing pain.
Nerve studies: such as electromyography (EMG) measure nerve impulses and muscle responses to confirm pressure on the nerves caused by herniated disks or spinal stenosis.
How to treat Carpal tunnel syndrome with electrotherapy products?
TENS can be used as a non-drug treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist due to overuse or other factors, leading to symptoms such as numbness, pain, and weakness in the fingers. TENS works by stimulating nerve fibers and producing local reflexes to alleviate pain, as mentioned earlier. Therefore, in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, TENS can provide a non-drug, non-invasive method for pain relief.
The specific use method is as follows(TENS mode):
☆ Select TENS mode:One electrode is placed in the middle of the palm (between the thenar and hypothenar muscles) and the other is placed near the wrist stripe.
① Determine the right amount of current: Adjust the current strength of the TENS electrotherapy device based on how much pain you feel and what feels comfortable for you. Generally, start with a low intensity and gradually increase it until you feel a pleasant sensation.
②Placement of electrodes: Put the TENS electrode patches on or near the area that hurts. For carpal tunnel syndrome, you can place them on the muscles around your wrist or directly over where it hurts. Make sure to secure the electrode pads tightly against your skin.
③Choose the right mode and frequency: TENS electrotherapy devices usually have a bunch of different modes and frequencies to choose from. When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome, you can go for continuous or pulsed stimulation. Just pick a mode and frequency that feels comfortable for you so you can get the best pain relief possible.
④Time and frequency: Depending on what works best for you, each session of TENS electrotherapy should typically last between 15 to 30 minutes, and it's recommended to use it 1 to 3 times a day. As your body responds, feel free to gradually adjust the frequency and duration of use as needed.
⑤Combining with other treatments: To really maximize wrist pain relief, it might be more effective if you combine TENS therapy with other treatments. For example, try using heat compresses, doing some gentle wrist stretches or relaxation exercises, or even getting massages – they can all work together in harmony!
Post time: Aug-21-2023
