There is no simple response to 'what causes arthritis?' Not only are there many factors to take into consideration as to the antecedent, but there are three different types of arthritis that can affect the knees.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis in the knee. This is a progressive condition that slowly wears away joint cartilage. Typically, osteoarthritis is most likely to occur after middle age.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition that occurs at any age.

Post-traumatic arthritis develops following a knee injury. It can develop years after a torn meniscus, ligament injury, or knee fracture.

Although not common, it is possible to have more than one type of arthritis at one time. In order to effectively treat the arthritis it is very important to get a proper diagnosis.

Arthritic Pain

Arthritic pain can occur suddenly, but for most people it is more likely to develop slowly. In the beginning there may be some pain in the morning or after a period of inactivity. The knees may hurt as you climb or descend stairs, stand up from a sitting position, or kneel. In some cases the simple act of walking can cause pain.

Some individuals feel pain while in a sitting position. Damp weather or other changes in weather can bring on pain.

Knee pain that interrupts sleep can be a symptom of osteoarthritis.

Inflammation is often associated with arthritis of the knee. The formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) or a build up of fluids in the knee is often the cause of this. Swelling may be more pronounced after a long period of inactivity, such as waking up in the morning. The skin around the knee may appear red or feel warm to the touch. If left undiagnosed and untreated, the inflammation and pain can become chronic and no relief may be found through the use of an over-the counter pills.

Possible Causes of Arthritis:

• Injury to the knee
• Infections - such as in the arthritis of Lyme disease
• Immune system dysfunction
• Physically demanding occupations
• Over use (or improper use) of the knee via recreational activities

Most types of arthritis are caused by a combination of many factors working together. Some people may be more susceptible to certain arthritic conditions due to their genetic makeup. Additional factors, such as smoking and diet can further increase the risk of arthritis.

Risk Factors for Arthritis:

Certain factors have been shown to be associated with a greater risk of arthritis. Some of these risk factors are modifiable while others are not. Below is a list that encompasses all forms of arthritis, not just arthritis in the knee.

Non-modifiable risk factors:

Age - Usually developing most types of arthritis increases with age.
Gender - most types of arthritis are more common in females.
Genetics - Depending on genetics, there is a higher risk of certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Modifiable risk factors:

Weight - Excess weight can help to cause the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis.
Joint injuries - Damage to a joint can cause the onset of osteoarthritis in that specific joint.
Infection - Many microbial agents can infect joints and trigger various forms of arthritis.
Occupation and Recreation - Some occupations (and recreational activities) involve repetitive knee bending and squatting that are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Foods to Avoid

Sugar is the first item to eliminate from your diet. Refined sugar, white rice, refined flour, processed foods, dairy and alcohol should all be greatly reduced, or better still, eliminated. Consulting with a qualified health professional is important if you have arthritis.

Anti-inflammatory Foods

Garlic - Garlic contains diallyl disulfide, an anti-inflammatory compound that can help fight the pain, inflammation and cartilage damage of arthritis. Fresh, local garlic is much preferred.

Turmeric - Curcumin is the active chemical that blocks the inflammatory cytosine and enzymes in two inflammatory pathways. Turmeric is most effective in combination with black pepper, which helps the body absorb it better. Fresh turmeric is preferred over the powder form.

Ginger - Gingerol and shogaol are the chemicals in ginger that help to prevent and fight inflammation. Always use fresh.

Cayenne - Chili peppers contain natural compounds called capsaicinoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Lifestyle Changes

Certain types of exercise can help maintain your knee function and relieve pain, including water aerobics and strength training. Losing excess weight can help relieve pain by lessening the pressure on the knees.

There are natural remedies that may help as well such as methylsulfonylmethane, a sulfurous compound found in many foods. It is mainly known as MSM and it is important for healthy joints and bones.

Seeking advice from a qualified health professional can help you attain relief and in many cases treat the symptoms of arthritis. Contact us for more information about our OA Knee Program.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you manage and possibly treat your arthritis. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Lateral epicondylitis is a physical health condition more commonly referred to as tennis elbow. This painful condition has affected many people and it involves the tendons that attach to the bone on the outside part of the elbow. Tendons anchor muscles to bone. The muscle involved in this condition, the extensor carpi radialis brevis, is what is felt when tennis elbow strikes.

Degeneration of the tendon's attachment is what happens with lateral epicondylitis; the weakening places enormous stress on this area. Eventually this leads to pain when involved with activities in which this muscle is used such as lifting, gripping, and grasping. Tennis is usually associated with this condition but the problem can occur when participating in many different types of athletic or non-athletic activities. The good news is that the qualified professional staff at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help.

Causes Of Lateral Epicondylitis

There are numerous causes of lateral epicondylitis that are work and leisure-related. Any activity that places enormous or repetitive stress on the tendon attachments causes tennis elbow. These stresses can come from holding too large a grip or from repetitive gripping activities. This can include painting, meat cutting, window washing with a squeegee and much more.

Another cause can be when the area receives a direct blow that results in the swelling of the tendon and this can lead to degeneration. A sudden and extreme action, activity or force can also injure the tendon.

Although this condition affects many people between 30 and 50 years of age, it can occur in any age group.

Symptoms Of Lateral Epicondylitis

Pain is usually the primary reason that patients seek out medical evaluation. The pain is located over the outside area of the elbow, over the bone area which is known as the lateral epicondyle. When you have tennis elbow, this area becomes tender to touch. Pain also occurs by any activity which places stress on the tendon, such as gripping or lifting. With activity, tennis elbow pain generally starts at the elbow and can travel down the forearm to the hand. Depending on the severity, any motion of the elbow can become painful.

Treatment Of Lateral Epicondylitis

The good news is that there are non-surgical treatment options. The most common form of treatment is simply limiting or eliminating aggravating activity. Total rest in some cases is not recommended. Modifying how you grip items can also help.

A brace may be required to reduce the tension on the tendon in order to allow it time to heal properly.

Physical therapy plays a large role in the treatment of tennis elbow. A physiotherapist can provide stretching and strengthening exercises to help treat this condition. Also, modalities such as ultrasound, laser or cryotherapy treatment can be used. In some cases anti-inflammatories may be required.

Only in severe cases is surgery considered. The pain must be incapacitating and the patient has not been able to respond well to conservative care. Surgery should never be an option unless severe pain has been ongoing for many weeks.

Like so many other health conditions, it is very important to diagnose lateral epicondylitis as soon as possible. The sooner tennis elbow is treated, the faster the patient can resume their daily activities.

Chiro-Med Medical Centre has the necessary expertise and knowledge to help you recover from lateral epicondylitis. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you back up and running as quick as possible! No two patients are identical and neither is treatment. We ensure that you get a treatment plan tailor-made for your abilities. Chiro-Med Medical Centre in Richmond Hill looks forward to helping you resume activities you enjoy!

Never underestimate the power of having great posture. Far too many people walk and sit in positions that will cause them problems later in life. Sitting slumped over, the head drooping forward, and having the back hunched are all ways to cause some serious back issues as you age. The great news is that it’s pretty much safe to say it’s never too late to change; make no mistake though, if bad posture is all you have been accustomed to then changing to good posture will take a conscious effort over a period of time. Of course, if you are younger, maintaining great posture as you age makes life a whole lot easier.

Good posture helps you to breathe deeper. When we’re slouched over we tend to become shallow breathers and this is not healthy. The deeper we breathe, the better we feel. Taking a really deep breath every half hour or so helps to infuse oxygen into your body that helps you feel more alert.

What is a Good Sitting Posture?

When sitting at a desk the best position to have your legs in is making sure your knees are level with your hips. If necessary a footrest can be used to help. Adjust your chair so that you can use the keyboard with your wrists and forearms straight and level with the floor. This goes a long way to preventing repetitive strain injuries. Elbows are best positioned by the side of your body so that the arm forms a 90 degree angle at the elbow joint.
Feet are always best positioned flat on the floor. Crossing legs is bad for circulation and it can also cause posture-related problems.

The screen should be directly in front of you and the monitor is best positioned an arm’s length away with the middle of the monitor roughly at eye level. The mouse should be as close to you as possible.

If you are sitting in a social situation, at home, at the dinner table, it’s always important to try and remember not to cross the legs – although that is very hard to do for most of us. If you lean on a table be sure to keep your shoulders back and the back straight.

On the sofa watching a movie is when all tend to be in relax mode and good posture is the last thing on our mind. Often sofas are too deep or too low which encourages a slouch position. If you’re there for a long movie you may want to consider getting high-density foam or a good cushion to raise your elevation that will promote good posture.

If you’re reading and your head has to slouch down use pillows to prop up the level of the book.

Using cushions to help support your body not only can help with good posture, they can be really enhance your comfort level too!

What is a Good Standing Posture?

When standing the shoulders should be back, the chest slightly out, and the ears should be positioned over the shoulders (they should be this way as well when sitting). Try to stand with equal weight on both legs rather than on one leg.

If you’re in a kitchen sometimes slouching sets in because for those who are taller, kitchen countertops are low and slouching happens automatically – sitting on a bar stool can help.

Keeping Fit

Having a good level of fitness throughout your entire life, regardless of age is important in maintaining good posture. If you rarely walk or do any physical moving then you become at risk for injuries that can happen much easier such as sprains, strains, and much more. If your ankles, knees, or hips are compromised then this can affect your posture.

Entering the mature years with good posture along with a healthy diet, and regular exercise helps to keep your bones strong which are critical in our senior years because we all lose some bone density. The more you lose the more susceptible to injuries you become. Our genetics and lifestyle dictates just how much we lose so it only makes sense to maintain your posture as you age.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the long term health of your bones, skeletal system and over all well-being. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Most of us hear how important good posture is and unfortunately there are some who don’t understand why until it is too late. Our core muscles play a very important role in our posture. Imagine your core muscles as a link that connects the upper and lower body. Whether you’re hitting a baseball or sweeping the floor the motions for these actions either flow through or originate in your core. Regardless of where motion originates it ripples through your body. The condition of your core muscles determine how well (or not well) your arms and legs physically function. Having a strong core is essential for good health, a nice posture, great balance, and stability. If your core muscles are not in shape then this makes you more susceptible to falls, injuries and back problems.

Let’s look at some ways in which strong core muscles can help you.

Every day movements. We tend to take for granted the ability to bend over and put on our shoes, to pick up a box, or to do our household chores. The ability to perform even these simplest of tasks calls on the core muscles.

At work. There are many jobs in which we twist, lift and even stand for long periods of time. Sitting at a desk also requires the use of core muscles. The more out of shape your core muscles are the faster you’ll become stiff and possibly even sore. Taking breaks, stretching and making sure your posture is good is critical.

Good back health. Far too many people suffer from back pain and most of this can be prevented by exercises that promote strong core muscles.

Good posture. Weak core muscles contribute to slouching and over a period of time this will cause a myriad of back problems. Strong core muscles lessen the stress on the spine and allows you to breathe better as well.

What Exactly Are Core Muscles?

Strong core muscles are not washboard abs. Our core muscles are hidden beneath the exterior muscles. These deeper muscles include the transverse abdominals, the pelvic floor, the diaphragm and many other deep muscles.

Your core muscles are known as either stabilizers or movers.

• The stabilizer muscles attach directly to the spine and support its movement.
• The movers are the muscles that support the stabilizer muscles and work with them to move your body.
• Core muscles work together to support and move the body safely. They provide essential support that allows you to move your body to do everyday tasks and participate in physical activity.

Protect Your Inner Organs

Healthy core muscles help to protect vital systems in our body. Your core is not only where your organs and central nervous system do their work, it’s also where your body’s largest (and most important) veins and arteries are based. Keeping strong core muscles helps to ensure everything stays protected as you move through your day. Movements can be restricted when our core muscles are not strengthened and worse, eventually pain moves in.

Increase Your Posture Awareness

Increasing core strength will naturally change the way you carry yourself. Good posture is chest out, shoulders back and holding your head back so that your ears are over your shoulders. We all should be doing this naturally yet we are not. Becoming more aware of our posture is important.

Try these two mental exercises no matter where you are.

• Pretend you’re a balloon rising up with air. Most of the muscles that hold our body up are vertical. As you breathe in think of yourself as being a balloon and you’ll feel your posture improve.
• Think of a string. Align your head over your shoulders and lifting it up, as though a string is pulling it from the top; this allows your shoulders to drop and open while pulling in the abdominals. This will work whether you are sitting, standing or walking.

How Can You Build Core Strength?

Working on your core muscles is different from strength-training. Yoga, pilates and stability balls are great for working your core muscles because many moves you can do with these target those muscle groups.

There are countless other activities to strengthen your core, from swimming to kick boxing. You can also try some specific exercises including the classic sit-up. Starting a routine that’s right for you includes getting professional advice. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill and Newmarket can assist you in strengthening your core muscles.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the long term health of your bones, skeletal system and over all well-being. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Those who suffer with sciatica describe this symptom as a mild to intense pain that is experienced mostly in one leg making standing or sitting nearly impossible.  Sciatica can be debilitating and there is no need to suffer when there are options to help.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica could be a symptom of a pinched nerve affecting one or more of the lower spinal nerves. Conditions that trigger sciatica include:

• Piriformis syndrome develops when the piriformis muscle becomes tight or spasms. This puts pressure on and irritates the sciatic nerve.
• Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal putting pressure on the nerves.
• Spondylolisthesis is the slippage of a vertebra that becomes out of line with the vertebra above it creating a narrow opening through which the nerve exists.
• Herniated or slipped discs that put pressure on a nerve root are the most common cause of sciatica.
• Trauma to the lumbar area can cause sciatica. This can happen as a result of car accidents, sports injuries, or any other accident causing trauma to the lumbar.

Chiropractic Care

Sciatica can be treated with chiropractic care which is non-invasive and drug-free. The type of therapy will depend on the specific cause of sciatica. Treatment can include one or a combination of therapies that include spinal adjustments, spinal decompression, TENS, ice therapy, and ultrasound. What is also recommended is that while under the care of your chiropractor doing specific exercises designed to help with sciatica. It is essential that these are done ONLY under the advisement and care of your chiropractor.

Moves & Exercises to Ease Sciatica:

Low Lunges

Move your right leg back into a lunge, keeping the front left knee directly above the ankle. Lower right knee toward the ground as far as you are able, pause 15-30 seconds, and then slowly lift so right leg is straight then repeat three times. Switch legs so that the left knee is being lowered and straightened three times.

Frog

Get down on your hands and knees with palms on the floor and your knees on a mat. Slowly widen your knees until you feel the inner thighs stretching comfortably; be sure to keep the inside of each calf and foot in contact with the floor.  Keep your ankles in line with your knees then lower your body down to your forearms creating the frog position. Try to hold this stretch for 30 seconds then slowly release. Repeat two times.

Cross Legged Stretch

Lie down face-up on a flat surface and cross your left leg over your right leg. Raise both legs off the floor and reach for the outer ankles. Hug your legs toward your belly. Spread your toes making sure that your feet are flexed. Breathe slowly holding your legs for about 20 seconds. Slowly switch legs to the other side and repeat.

Hip Twist Stretch

Lie down on your back straightening your left leg out and bend your right knee until your right foot is on the floor next to your left knee. Using your left hand gently press the right knee down and towards floor on the left until you feel the buttocks and lower back slightly stretching. Your right hip and buttocks will come off the floor as you twist. Hold this stretch for 30 to 60 seconds then repeat on other side.

Back Extensions

On a flat surface lie on your stomach and prop yourself up on your elbows so that your spine is lengthened. Keep your neck long and be sure to keep the shoulders back. Arch your back up by pushing down on your hands. There should be a stretch felt in your stomach muscles as you arch. Hold for 10 – 15 seconds then return to the start position. Repeat three times.

No one has to suffer with sciatica while under the care of a chiropractor. There are solutions and exercises and Chiro-Med Rehab Centre can help you.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you manage sciatica. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Chiropractic manipulation is sometimes also referred to as chiropractic adjustment. This is a specialized procedure that applies manipulation to the vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or are not functioning as it should.
The College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) assists members of the CCO in maintaining standards of care that must be adhered to before a chiropractor performs a chiropractic manipulation.

The College ensures that any chiropractor who wants to perform a manipulation (or adjustment) must be thoroughly trained and have practice in order to provide this health care service with competence and skill. Here is a brief overview of what this specialized training includes:

• Learning the principles of chiropractic manipulation, biomechanics, radiology, neuro-physiology and applied anatomy
• Patient examination and diagnosis
• Various treatment techniques

The CCO states, “Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is an authorized Act requiring a high degree of skill.” The College has outlined specific elements to maintain a high level of skill among their members. This includes:

• Knowing indications and contraindications to application of a chiropractic adjustment or manipulation.
• Patient's health, proper assessment of the patient, the treatment goal and prognosis.
• Ongoing education in order to be current with knowledge and skills to enable safe and effective treatment.

Chiropractic manipulation is a procedure that must be thoroughly discussed with a patient; and the patient must provide written consent.

The Cracking Sound

When a patient receives chiropractic manipulation as part of their treatment he or she can expect to hear the cracking sounds. Many people think the sound is intriguing, others find it odd.

Between each joint in the spine there is fluid. When cavitation occurs the patient hears cracking sounds. This is gas being released from the fluid. This is the same sound that can be heard when opening a can of pop or popping the cork off a bottle of champagne. The same thing is happening to the pop or the champagne - gas is being released from within the fluid.

Not all chiropractic manipulations create this sound, so judging the effectiveness of this treatment cannot be based on sound. The goal is to restore mobility to the restricted joint, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, allowing the underlying tissues and nervous system to heal.

For those who receive this treatment in the neck area, the cracking sound will seem much louder as it is because it is closer to the ears.

Health Benefits Of Chiropractic Manipulation

Chiropractic manipulation improves the nutrient supply throughout the body. Cartilage and other structures have no blood supply and manipulation reduces pressure on the nerves.

The nervous system is the control centre of the human body. Nerves and nerve bundles are soft tissue and when under physical pressure they do not function well. It has been shown that a bulging disc, inflammation, or a fragment of disc floating around can negatively interfere with nerve conduction. Chiropractic manipulation can create relief of this pressure though gentle movement of the joint.

Joint Fixation

The joints in our body are meant to move without effort.  The friction of our joints is believed to be eight times more slippery than ice sliding on ice.  If an injury occurs, or as we age the surfaces of the joints tend to become rough which increases the friction and the effort needed to move them.  Some joints may become so damaged that they get to the point that they lose mobility. Joints need free movement to transport nutrients and fluids in and out of the area around the joints in order to stay healthy.  This does not happen in a fixated joint.  The lack of joint movement can cause degeneration of the joints and the discs leaving an individual in a lot of pain.

Members of The College of Chiropractors of Ontario are fully trained to perform chiropractic manipulations. Their skill and expertise have helped countless patients regain independence from pain.

Dr. Sanjari is the Clinic Director of Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. For more information on chiropractic manipulations, or any other chiropractic concern, please call 905-918-0419.

Have you ever thought of becoming a physiotherapist? A physiotherapist is a university-educated health professional and is a highly recognized member in the health profession.

What Services Do Physiotherapists Perform?

Physiotherapists work in several areas that include orthopedics, neurology, sports, pediatrics, cardiorespiratory, seniors’ health as well as other areas.

Those who require the services of a physiotherapist will be required to complete an assessment that may include health history, joint range of motion, evaluation of pain and movement patterns, reflexes, strength, and cardiorespiratory status.

Physiotherapists examine laboratory tests, relevant x-rays, medical records and surgical notes. Based on the assessment the physiotherapist establishes a diagnosis and works in tandem with the patient to develop an individual goal plan and treatment programs.

Treatments that physiotherapists use include electrical modalities such as TENS or ultrasound, manual therapy, acupuncture and therapeutic exercise. A physiotherapist’s job is to promote independence. Emphasis is placed on what the patient can do for themself and on education to prevent future injuries.

Becoming a Physiotherapist In Ontario

Physiotherapists in Ontario must complete a Master’s degree at one of the five Ontario Universities, a Canadian university outside Ontario or if an individual is educated outside of Canada their education is reviewed to ensure that it is substantially equivalent to the content of a Canadian physiotherapy (or physical therapy) program.

The five universities that offer this program (all at the Master level) include:

• University of Toronto
• University of Ottawa
• McMaster University
• Queen’s University
• Western University

After university, in order to practice a person must be registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has professional physiotherapists on staff who are registered with the College. If you are in need of physiotherapy our walk-in clinic is conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 for more information about services and about becoming a physiotherapist in Ontario.

Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to compression of the median nerve at the wrist, resulting in weakness, pain and possibly numbness of the hand and wrist. The median nerve controls sensation in the palm of the hand (thumb and fingers, excluding the pinky or little finger).

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is very important, since long-term carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage, constant numbness and atrophy of muscles related to the carpal tunnel.

Causes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Often times the specific cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is undetermined. However, it is known that CTS is associated with the following:

• An abnormally small carpal tunnel
• Repetitive, work related stress
• A wrist injury that results in swelling (e.g. wrist sprain or fracture)
• An overactive pituitary gland
• Arthritis (rheumatoid)
• Fluid retention during pregnancy
• Menopause
• Cysts/tumors that form in the tunnel

Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms of CTS usually start gradually, and become more severe as the problem worsens.

The following symptoms are listed from initial to later stages:

• Tingling, itching and even a burning sensation in the thumb and fingers
• Numbness in the palm of the hand
• A feeling of tightness or swelling
• Pain in the hand or wrist
• Loss of strength when gripping some object
• Inability to distinguish between cold and hot objects
• As the condition worsens atrophy of the thenar muscles may occur

Please note that it is common for these symptoms to first occur at night only, since many people sleep with their wrists in a flexed position. As the condition progresses some or all of the symptoms will occur throughout the day as well.

Treatment Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are two types of treatments for CTS: surgical and non-surgical. It is very important to diagnose CTS as early as possible in order to avoid surgical treatment.

Non-surgical treatment consists of:

• Resting and immobilizing the affected hand via splints or braces
• Avoiding activity that stresses the hand and wrist
• Physiotherapy
• Massage therapy
• Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs to ease pain and swelling
• Injection of corticosteroids into the wrist (can also be taken orally) to relieve pressure on the
  median nerve

Surgery is often recommended if symptoms have been present for 6 months.

There are two types of surgery used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome:

1. Traditional "open release" surgery, which involves an incision in the wrist followed by severing
   of the carpal ligament (this increases the size of the carpal tunnel)
2. Endoscopic surgery, which involves inserting a tiny camera into the wrist/palm and results in a
   faster recovery time, less post-operative discomfort and a smaller degree of scarring.

It is very important to catch carpal tunnel syndrome early on. Unfortunately CTS can be difficult to diagnose, and symptoms can also be caused by things other than carpal tunnel syndrome.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre located in Richmond Hill has the necessary expertise and knowledge to help you recover from carpal tunnel syndrome. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you on the road to recovery as quick as possible!