Student Discussion - Carpal Tunnel

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Carpal Tunnel

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Physical Therapy Professional Forum
Forum Name: Student Discussion
Forum Description: General discussion for students involving all issues dealing with physical therapy.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=610
Printed Date: May 15 2024 at 5:32pm
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Topic: Carpal Tunnel

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: Carpal Tunnel
Date Posted: Mar 23 2010 at 12:41pm

Our user asked: "This is a question posed to a Kiniseolgy class and curious on your input. You have a patient present with carpal tunnel syndrome and his pain is not relieved by supporting the wrist in a neutral position alone. But once you support the wrist in a neutral position and also extend his fingers the pain is relieved. Anatomically why is it relieved with finger's extended but not with the wrist supported alone? Thank you"

Ask a PT Response: "Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually the result of compression or irritation of the median nerve. When the fingers are flexed, even at rest, the flexor muscles of the wrist and hand (ie. flexor carpi radialis, flexor digitorum superficialis & profundus) could be contributing to some compression on the median nerve. By having the fingers extended this tension is minimized on the carpal tunnel."