#PTonICE Daily Show
Episode 1826 - What's best for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Oct 8, 2024
Lindsey Hughey, the Extremity Division leader at the Institute of Clinical Excellence, specializes in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. She dives into what CTS entails—its symptoms and who it affects. The discussion covers a range of treatment options, backed by current research, highlighting the importance of a 'PT first' approach. Lindsey emphasizes the variability in treatment outcomes and shares insights into how physical therapy can minimize risks and improve patient care effectively.
20:12
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Quick takeaways
- Carpal tunnel syndrome primarily affects individuals with specific risk factors, leading to symptoms like numbness and tingling in the fingers.
- A 'PT first' approach emphasizes non-invasive treatments like manual therapy and exercises, showing comparable or superior efficacy to surgical options.
Deep dives
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) primarily affects individuals who experience numbness and tingling in their fingers, especially at night, often triggered by certain wrist positions. This condition is the most common nerve entrapment syndrome, impacting about 0.3 to 3.8 percent of the general population, with a notable prevalence in females compared to males. Risk factors for developing CTS include obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and repetitive wrist movements common in typing or factory work. The underlying pathology appears linked to pressure and edema surrounding the median nerve, leading to both sensory and potential motor disruptions if not treated adequately.
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