Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes & Symptoms
CTS is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to this condition, while others might develop it due to continuous hand use, persistent awkward hand and wrist positions, or certain health conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Pregnancy also temporarily increases the risk of CTS due to fluid retention.
Usually, CTS symptoms start gradually, causing frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in your palm and fingers. As these symptoms progress, you may experience tingling during the day, diminished grip strength, or even start dropping objects involuntarily. Diagnosing CTS often involves a detailed physical examination, a thorough exploration of symptom history, and sometimes nerve conduction studies.
Traditional Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Traditional treatment options for CTS include wearing a wrist splint, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and ultimately, carpal tunnel release surgery. While these treatments can provide symptom relief, they also come with limitations. Wrist splints and medication only manage symptoms, and prolonged use of NSAIDs can have side effects. Surgery, while effective, is invasive, expensive, and requires a significant recovery period.
Introducing SoftWave Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
SoftWave therapy is a type of regenerative medicine that uses unfocused, low-intensity shock waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The shock waves, delivered via a hand-held device, generate a pressure wave that passes through tissues, stimulating cell metabolism and promoting blood circulation and the regeneration of damaged tissue.
SoftWave therapy differs from other treatment options in that it addresses the root cause of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. It is non-invasive and does not involve medication, reducing the risk of side effects or complications associated with surgery or long-term medication use.