A physical therapist with almost 40 years of experience and extensive certifications, Grace Walker is the director of Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center in Orange, California. As a regular contributor to her clinic’s blog, Dr. Grace Walker discusses causes and treatments for pain conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome from the perspective of a physical therapist.

As Dr. Walker explains in her blog post, everyone has carpal tunnel, but not everyone has carpal tunnel syndrome. Eight bones in the wrist and palm compose the carpal. The joint at the connection of these bones and the forearm hand bones create the “tunnel.”

A median nerve that stretches across the carpal tunnel is what dictates to the brain that one’s hand and wrist are hurting, symptoms that may indicate carpal tunnel syndrome. The condition can be caused by any activity that creates swelling in the wrist, which in turn compresses this nerve.

According to research, women are more likely than men to have carpal tunnel syndrome, and most people diagnosed are between the ages of 30 and 60. Existing conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and high blood pressure can increase probability of developing the syndrome.

For an appointment with an expert physical therapist in orange, California, call Walker Physical therapy and Pain Center at 714-997-5518.