Comprehensive issues?
Hello, Doctor: I have developed carpal tunnel syndrome due to poor sleeping posture and sleeping on my stomach with both hands.
I am currently undergoing rehabilitation.
The outpatient physician mentioned that shaking my hands could help alleviate the numbness, but I found online that shaking my hands might actually worsen the condition.
Is this true? Will carpal tunnel syndrome heal? I still experience numbness in my hands and fingers after rehabilitation, and I feel some loss of grip when picking up or organizing items.
I have seen others recover completely through both Western and traditional Chinese medicine; is that really possible?
Additionally, I have sprained my left ankle due to heavy lifting at work, and after examination, I was told that two ligaments are torn.
I forgot the specifics.
How can I determine if I have fully healed? Currently, I can walk up and down stairs without issues, but I feel pain when I touch the sprained area.
Should I keep my left ankle as still as possible to rest it? What other methods can I use? Also, why do Western doctors require ultrasound and rehabilitation for ankle sprains, while traditional Chinese medicine practitioners seem to fix it easily with manipulation? Thank you for your response.
Jason, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/25
Dr. Yin Xinbei reply Rehabilitation
Shaking the hands can temporarily alleviate hand numbness, but it is important to pay attention to the method of shaking.
Avoid excessive wrist flexion and extension; instead of shaking up and down, it is better to shake side to side or rotate.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can improve or even resolve with treatment, but if posture is not corrected or if there is overuse, symptoms may recur.
Even after surgery, there is still a possibility of recurrence after several years.
Your current symptoms require ongoing treatment.
Healing from a sprain generally means that all movements can be performed without pain, and there is no pain upon local palpation.
You should continue treatment for your current symptoms, avoid painful movements, and it is best to wear protective gear; neglecting this may lead to a more severe sprain in the future.
Chiropractic adjustments refer to the realignment of tissues, but the tissue damage that occurs during dislocation requires time to heal.
Traditional Chinese medicine also recommends applying medication or acupuncture after realignment to promote tissue repair, similar to rehabilitation in Western medicine that uses devices.
Rehabilitation should also focus on strengthening local muscle strength after tissue repair to prevent re-injury.
Sometimes there is no dislocation, just a strain or sprain, and it is clinically common to see inflammation and swelling worsen after an adjustment.
It is recommended that the first step after a strain or sprain is to apply ice immediately, followed by seeking medical attention as soon as possible.
Reply Date: 2018/09/25
More Info
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and ankle sprains are common conditions that can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life. Understanding the recovery process for both conditions is crucial for effective management and rehabilitation.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms typically include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, particularly affecting the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. Your experience of numbness and tingling, especially during certain activities or positions, is characteristic of CTS.
Regarding your concern about "shaking" your hands to relieve numbness, this technique can provide temporary relief for some individuals; however, it is not a long-term solution and may exacerbate symptoms in others. The key to managing CTS lies in addressing the underlying causes, such as ergonomic adjustments, wrist positioning, and possibly splinting during sleep to keep the wrist in a neutral position.
Physical therapy can be beneficial in strengthening the muscles of the hand and wrist, improving flexibility, and reducing symptoms. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to decrease inflammation. Surgical intervention is considered when conservative treatments fail, particularly if there is significant nerve damage or persistent symptoms.
As for your ankle sprain, it is essential to understand the severity of the injury. Ankle sprains can range from mild (stretching of ligaments) to severe (complete tears of ligaments). The fact that you have two torn ligaments suggests a more serious injury, which may require a longer recovery period.
The healing process for ankle sprains typically involves the R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) in the initial stages. Once the acute pain and swelling have subsided, rehabilitation exercises focusing on range of motion, strength, and proprioception (balance) become crucial. It is essential to avoid activities that cause pain, as this can lead to further injury or chronic instability.
Walking up and down stairs without pain is a positive sign, but if you experience pain when touching the injured area, it indicates that the ankle is still healing. It is advisable to continue resting the ankle and gradually reintroducing activities as tolerated.
Regarding the differences between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices and Western medicine approaches, both have their merits. TCM often focuses on manual adjustments and acupuncture, which can provide relief for some individuals. However, Western medicine emphasizes a comprehensive assessment, including imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI, to evaluate the extent of the injury and guide treatment. This approach helps ensure that any underlying issues are addressed, reducing the risk of re-injury.
In conclusion, both CTS and ankle sprains require a tailored approach to recovery. For CTS, focus on ergonomic adjustments, physical therapy, and possibly medical interventions. For your ankle sprain, continue with rest and rehabilitation exercises, and consult with your healthcare provider for a personalized recovery plan. If symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary to ensure proper healing and function.
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