Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms And Treatment Options

Carpal tunnel syndrome is considered one of the most common neuropathies around the world. If you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or have symptoms related to this neuropathic illness then read further. 

You will come to know about acute carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and treatment options to get rid of this condition without surgery. 

So let’s get started.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a neuropathic condition that arises due to the compression of the median nerve. The median nerve runs from your forearm to your palm through a narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is surrounded by bones and ligaments and inside it runs the median nerve. 

The median nerve controls the movement of your thumb, forefinger, middle finger, and ring finger. It also controls the motor function of your thumb. 

So, when this median nerve is compressed due to any condition then you feel tingling, numbness, and weakness in your hand. You might also feel other symptoms based on the severity of your condition.

Carpal tunnel Causes 

Carpal tunnel syndrome might be caused due to: 

• Fractures or injuries in the wrist region. This causes the ligaments to compress or tear and in turn, the median nerve is also compressed. 
• Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can damage the ligaments surrounding the carpal tunnel and this can affect the median nerve running through. 
• Obesity or weight gain can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. The fat around the wrist can compress the median nerve. 
• Females are prone to carpal tunnel syndrome more than males. This is because the carpal tunnel is narrower in women as compared to men. 
• Your daily chores or work can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Sudden, frequent, or similar movements of the wrist while working can compress the nerve. For example, if you type daily, it’s possible that the median nerve gets compressed during this repetitive motion. 

Acute vs chronic carpal tunnel syndrome

Acute carpal tunnel syndrome is the severe form of this neuropathic condition. Acute carpal tunnel syndrome is usually caused due to a wrist fracture or fracture-related problems. The treatment of acute carpal tunnel syndrome should be started as soon as it is diagnosed. If the treatment is delayed then there is no option for recovery but surgery. 

Chronic carpal tunnel syndrome is a much less severe form of this illness but is long-term. Surgery is the last option in this case. The symptoms can be managed and the nerve can be released with a combination of traditional treatment therapies and home remedies.

Here, we will discuss acute carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and treatment options to avoid surgical procedures and release the median nerve non-invasively to get rid of this condition.

Acute carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms 

• Tingling or numbness sensation. The tingling might go away after 10 to 15 minutes but numbness can become a continuous problem. 
• Feeling of a sudden electric shock. You might feel like the fingers and thumb have experienced an electric shock. This aggravated the tingling sensation. 
• Weakness in hands. Due to numbness, pain, and tingling, you might not hold objects properly or perform daily life activities. The compressed median nerve also affects the motor function of the thumb. This also makes your hand grip weak. 

Treatment of acute carpal tunnel syndrome 

If you experience a tingling sensation, numbness, and weakness in your hand (especially your palm) then it’s time to visit the doctor. 

You will be diagnosed through physical examination, X-ray (to exclude other conditions such as fractures), and neurological tests. 

After diagnosis, your doctor will suggest a few treatment options along with physiotherapy and home remedies to cure carpal tunnel syndrome naturally.

Carpal tunnel syndrome exercises 

The exercises of wrist and fingers are usually prescribed by a certified physiotherapist so that you reap maximum benefit for them. Practising exercise on your own can worsen the symptoms. 

Nerve flossing exercises (median nerve) help relieve numbness and pain. The median nerve can also get released or experience less pressure over it while you exercise. 

Other home remedies 

• Apply a cold pack on your wrist for 20 to 25 minutes to relieve pain and numbness. 
• Manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. 
• Eat healthily and exercise to reduce weight. 
• Don’t move your wrist unless it’s necessary. 
• Find your best sleeping position. Don’t sleep on your hands as it will aggravate the symptoms. 

Traditional treatment 

Traditional treatment includes the use of wrist splints, especially at night. As the symptoms become worse at night and you can wake up due to pain and numbness in your hand, you can wear a wrist splint to keep your wrist straight. 

The doctor might also recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids if you are experiencing severe pain. 

If your symptoms are not responding to any of the treatments mentioned above then you can go for alternative treatment options such as laser therapy for pain relief. Because otherwise, the doctor will advise you to go for a surgical procedure that will release the median nerve.

Laser pain therapy for an acute carpal tunnel syndrome 

Laser pain therapy is a proven modern-day therapy that is done across the world for various neuromuscular disorders. A safe laser beam is directed on the painful or numb area to stimulate natural healing and defence mechanisms. 

Laser pain therapy is successfully done to treat acute carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. You will need more than one session to get better. The laser beam releases the median nerve in a non-invasive way. 

If you are in Pakistan and want to get laser pain therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome then you can head to our modern pain management clinic; Bioflex Pakistan. With the use of modern technology, our experienced rheumatologists treat acute carpal tunnel syndrome successfully. You will notice the symptoms alleviating after a few laser pain therapy sessions. Get acute carpal tunnel syndrome treatment at Bioflex Pakistan and book your appointment now.