Experiencing numbness or tingling in your thumb and fingers? Learn how early hand therapy intervention and nocturnal splinting can prevent surgery.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the wrist's carpal tunnel. Left untreated, chronic nerve pressure can lead to permanent numbness, weakness, and loss of dexterity.
### Common Early Symptoms
- Frequent numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
- Waking up at night with the urge to shake out your hands.
- Increased difficulty holding a coffee mug, steering wheel, or phone.
### Evidence-Based Non-Surgical Solutions
1. **Nocturnal Neutral Splinting**: Wearing a custom-fitted or contoured rigid splint while sleeping keeps the wrist in a 0° neutral position, preventing nerve compression during sleep.
2. **Nerve Gliding Exercises**: Specific sliding movements restore smooth movement of the median nerve relative to surrounding tendons.
3. **Ergonomic Workspace Adjustments**: Modifying keyboard heights, taking frequent rest breaks, and using ergonomic grip supports during daily tasks.
At Hand Therapy Kenya, our Certified Hand Therapists assess nerve conductivity and mobility to build custom recovery protocols before considering invasive options.
