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Greetings!
Hello again! the warm weather is here again and we
are all looking forward to an active spring and
summer! In this issue, we discuss a common
problem of the wrist and hand- Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome. We will also discuss a common injury that
many people get every year, and sometimes
recurrently year after year- ankle sprains. As we all get
back out to our activities, it is essential to do things to
prevent injury, so both articles will include
suggestions for preventing these common problems!
If you haven't been to our website recently, we have
added some more pictures from the curling event, as
well as added a job "blog" to advertise open positions
within CPAT. Check it out and let us know what you
think!
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a painful
and often debilitating
disorder of the wrist and hand. The carpal tunnel is a
narrow tunnel
formed by bones and other tissues on the palm side
of your wrist.
Within this tunnel runs the median nerve. When the
median nerve is
compressed or pinched this can lead to CTS.
CTS occurs when the surrounding tissues in the
carpal tunnel, such as
ligaments and tendons, get swollen or inflamed and
press against the
median nerve. This usually results with repetitive
motion of the wrist
and hand. However, it may also be linked to other
factors, such as a fracture or sprain of the
wrist.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome
diagnosed?
CTS is often diagnosed with a
detailed history taken either by your doctor or physical
therapist. Special
tests are then performed to confirm or rule out CTS. If
appropriate, a nerve conduction velocity test
(NCV) or electromyography (EMG) may be ordered by
your doctor to see if the nerves and muscles in
your arm and hand show the typical effects of CTS.
These tests as well as a comprehensive physical
exam can help determine if the source of the problem
really lies at the wrist, or if there may be cervical (neck)
involvement. At times, both the neck and wrist may be
contributing to the problem.
Who is most at risk?
Computer users, Grocery checkers, Assembly line
workers, Meat packers, Violinists, Mechanics,
Pregnant women, People diagnosed with diabetes,
rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease. If you have
one of these careers or disorders, it is important that
you take extra precautions to prevent CTS. These
include, maintaining proper posture, using
ergonomically correct equipment, and performing
exercises to keep good strength and range of motion
in the wrist. For specific exercises and suggestions,
please contact one of our offices to speak with a
therapist.
What are the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel
syndrome?
- Numbness and tingling in your hand and fingers
(especially the thumb, index and middle finger)
- Pain in your wrist, palm or forearm.
- Above symptoms are usually greater during the
night or with prolonged repetitive motion of the
- Difficulty gripping objects and weakness in the
thumb
If you think you may have CTS, it is essential to contact
your doctor or Physical Therapist ASAP for a confirmed
diagnosis and treatment. If caught early, most cases
of CTS can be treated conservatively with PT, bracing,
education, and exercise. In more extreme or
advanced cases, surgery may be required to release
the pressure on the nerve at the wrist.
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Ankle Sprains
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Between 40-50% Reoccur without proper rehab!!
What is a sprain?
A sprain is a stretched or partially torn ligament.
Ligaments connect one bone to another bone at a
joint and help keep the bones from moving out of
place.
The most common site of sprains is the ankle, and
more specifically, the lateral outside part of the
ankle. An ankle sprain can happen when you fall,
when you suddenly twist your ankle too far, or when
you force the joint out of it's normal position (for
example, when you land awkwardly on your foot after
jumping). Most ankle sprains occur during sports
activities or when walking or running on an uneven
surface.
The signs of an ankle sprain can include:
- pain or tenderness
- swelling
- bruising
- inability to or pain with weight bearing through the
ankle
- stiffness
The severity of an ankle sprain depends on how badly
the ligaments are stretched or torn. If the sprain in
mild, there may not be much pain or swelling, and the
ligaments may only be stretched. If the sprain is
severe, one of more ligaments may be torn or partially
torn, and the join may be severely swollen. A severe
sprain can also be extremely painful.
How are ankle sprains diagnosed?
A physical exam performed by doctor, physical
therapist, or athletic trainer can determine if the ankle
is sprained, and how severely. At times, an X-Ray or
MRI may be performed to help determine severity of
the injury.
What to do if you suffer an ankle sprain?
Immediately Begin Using-P - R - I - C - E
Protection - Your ankle may be splinted, taped
or braced to prevent further injury.
Rest - You should rest from all activities that
cause pain or limping. Use crutches/cane until you
can walk without pain or limping.
Ice - Place a plastic bag with ice on the ankle
for 15-20 minutes, 3-5 times a day for the first 24-72
hours. Leave the ice off at least 1 1/2 hours between
applications.
Compression - Wrap an elastic bandage
from the toes to mid calf, using even pressure. Wear
this until swelling decreases. Loosen the wrap if your
toes start to turn blue or feel cold.
Elevate - Make sure to elevate the ankle above
heart level (hip level is acceptable during work or
class).
Rehabilitation and Prevention:
As with most injuries, good rehabilitation is key to
preventing re-injury. This is especially true with ankle
sprains, where recurrence rates are between 40-
50% according to some studies. It is essential to
begin
a good program to restore range of motion, reduce
swelling, regain strength, and enhance proprioception
and balance as soon as your doctor or therapist says
it is safe to do so. Effective and continued
rehabilitation will greatly reduce your chance of
re-injuring the ankle.
For more information on
proprioception, balance training, and other questions
about ankle rehabilitation, please contact one of our
offices to speak with a therapist!
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