December is here, and we’re gearing up for all the fun winter brings, from snowmen and ice skating to holiday celebrations. But for those who struggle with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in wrists and hands -- one of the most common orthopedic conditions in the world --, winter can also bring on a sense of dread. That’s because many patients who live with chronic wrist pain notice their symptoms becoming worse as the temperatures drop.
While researchers are still trying to understand the correlation between cold weather and worsening carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, our Orthopedic specialists, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Brett Schiffman, and Dr. Mark Yaffe at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists will explore the potential causes and let their patients know what they can do to alleviate pain this winter.
Cold Weather Restricts Blood Flow
Your body is prepared with a number of instinctive, natural responses to cold, designed to help you survive and maintain a liveable body temperature even as the temperature around you drops. When your body is cold, your blood vessels become more narrow, causing your heart to work harder to pump blood and raising your blood pressure. It’s possible that when the blood flow in your hands and wrists decreases, it can worsen joint pain (arthritis) and carpal tunnel symptoms.
Barometric Pressure May Be a Factor
Another possible reason carpal tunnel syndrome worse is during the cold weather months has less to do with temperature and more to do with another unit of measure: barometric pressure. When the weather turns cold, the air pressure around you may increase, causing your muscle tissues to expand in response. When these tissues expand in your wrist, it may put pressure on your wrist’s median nerve, aggravating symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
You Can Prevent Worsening Symptoms
Regardless of the potential reasons why cold temperatures might exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome, the fact remains that you’re in pain. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to alleviate that pain, both in the short term and in the long term:
- Stretch your hands, fingers, and wrists to promote circulation
- Wear gloves and mittens to keep your hands warm
- Try wearing a wrist brace to stabilize the area and prevent irritation
Receive Treatment Sooner Than Later
Ultimately, if you believe you may be experiencing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s important to see an orthopedic hand and wrist specialist. Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment can often be successful without a need for surgery, with a focus on braces and occupational therapy. If carpal tunnel surgery is recommended, your orthopedic specialist can help you determine the appropriate minimally-invasive procedure for you.
Struggling with pain in your hands and wrists? At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we’re proud to have an experienced team of hand and wrist specialists who are dedicated to helping patients relieve pain and restore full functionality.
To be scheduled with a physician at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, contact our office at (847) 285-4200 or schedule online here.
For urgent needs when our physician’s offices are closed, visit our Immediate Orthopedic Care (IOC) in Schaumburg, Illinois(opens in a new tab).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some ways to alleviate pain from carpal tunnel during the winter?
You can alleviate pain by stretching, wearing gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm, and using wrist braces for stabilization. It's important to seek treatment from a specialist at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists if symptoms persist.
Can physical therapy help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
Yes, physical therapy can be an effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Physical therapists can use various exercises and techniques to improve symptoms and reduce pain. They may also recommend wearing wrist braces or using other devices to support the affected area. In some cases, physical therapy can be a successful alternative to surgery for treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
Do I need surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Not necessarily. Treatment options like braces and occupational therapy can often be effective in managing symptoms without the need for surgery. In severe cases, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended by an orthopedic specialist at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists.
How does pressure on the median nerve affect carpal tunnel syndrome?
When there is pressure on the median nerve, it can cause inflammation and irritation of the nerve, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome. The main cause of this pressure is compression on the nerve from the transverse carpal ligament in the wrist.
