Silver Cross to Offer Free Carpal Tunnel Screenings May 2

For Joliet resident Terry Winfrey, there was no question where he’d have occupational therapy after his second carpal tunnel surgery in as many months: the same place he did after his first…the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) at Silver Cross.

“My experience at RIC at Silver Cross was so positive after I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand, there was no doubt in my mind that I would return to RIC again for therapy when I had surgery a couple of months later on my left hand,” Winfrey, an administrative assistant at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, explained. “I highly recommend anyone who needs therapy to go to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross. I am so thankful to my therapist Deb for her expertise and kind demeanor. She not only provided me with excellent care, but customized therapy times that worked best for my schedule.”

For three years, the pain in Winfrey’s wrists gradually became worse. Eventually, he couldn’t sleep because the tingling sensations in his wrists throbbed all night. He then was referred to Dr. Elliot Nacke, an orthopedic hand surgeon and member of the medical staff at Silver Cross Hospital. “I was fortunate to be referred to the amazingly talented Dr. Elliot Nacke, who performed both of my surgeries,” said Winfrey. “In addition, I was so impressed at how my treatment plan was handled so efficiently. My therapist Deb continually kept Dr. Nacke informed of my recovery progress.”

“Terry was a model patient,” said Deb Bearden, Senior Occupational Therapist at RIC at Silver Cross. “He was always engaged during his therapy and very motivated to do his exercise homework while at home. To help him regain optimal functioning in his hands, we did therapy to control swelling, improve range of motion, increase strengthening and remodel scar tissue.”

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually start gradually, with frequent tingling or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel, which is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand, houses the median nerve and tendons.

Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, find out if you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome by scheduling a free screening offered by Silver Cross Hospital.

Free Carpal Tunnel Screening May 2

Occupational therapists with RIC at Silver Cross will offer free carpal tunnel screenings on Wednesday, May 2, at The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Silver Cross Hospital, Pavilion A, New Lenox. They will evaluate and discuss therapy options for individuals experiencing pain, numbness, or tingling in the wrist or fingers. To schedule your screening, call (815) 300-7110.