What is Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist. It arises when the median nerve gets compressed at the wrist. This nerve runs along the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the hand’s base. Irritated tendons or swelling can narrow this tunnel and squeeze the median nerve.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
Symptoms vary and often include burning, tingling, or numbness in the palm and fingers. Affected individuals might feel as if their fingers are swollen, even when no swelling appears. Symptoms typically start at night, as many sleep with flexed wrists. Over time, the tingling can occur during the day, and sufferers might struggle with decreased grip strength and difficulty performing manual tasks.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel?
The syndrome can stem from genetic factors like smaller carpal tunnels or other anatomic differences. Wrist injuries, overactive pituitary glands, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to this condition. Work stress and the use of vibrating hand tools may further increase the risk.
What Does Carpal Tunnel Feel Like?
People often experience a range of symptoms, starting with a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. These sensations can extend up the arm, resembling the ‘pins and needles’ felt when a numbed hand wakes up.
How to Treat Carpal Tunnel?
What is PRP?
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma therapy, involves injections of a patient’s concentrated platelets. This process aims to accelerate healing in injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints.
Can PRP be Used to Treat Carpal Tunnel?
Health professionals have started using PRP injections to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. The treatment involves taking a blood sample from the patient, enriching it with platelets, and injecting it back into the affected area. This promotes healing by inducing inflammation.
How Much Does PRP Cost?
The PRP London Clinic offers PRP treatments starting at £275. The exact cost varies and will be confirmed on the appointment day.
Additional Insights into Carpal Tunnel Treatment
Early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome respond well to non-surgical treatments such as wrist splinting and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe symptoms may require surgery to relieve nerve pressure.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Home Remedies
Making lifestyle changes can significantly help manage symptoms. Ergonomic adjustments to reduce wrist strain, regular breaks from repetitive activities, and exercises for the hand and wrist are effective strategies.
Conclusion
Recognizing and treating carpal tunnel syndrome early ensures effective management. PRP therapy at PRP London Clinic provides a promising non-surgical treatment option. For more information on PRP and other treatments, visit PRP London Clinic.