Page 9 - Martin Downs Bulletin - March '21

Martin Downs, Page 9

ClevelaNd ClINIC maRtIN health News

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome leaf blowers, lawn mowers, hair dryers, etc. Try to identify your primary care physician first, and be sure to follow the

any daily activities that may be aggravating your discomfort. instructions on any medication you take.
5 Alternatives To Try Before Surgery Stopping or reducing these activities can help. 5. Steroid injection. Consult with your physician first.
If you’re feeling numbness in your thumb, tingling in Evans suggests these five alternatives to surgery: Corticosteroids can temporarily help reduce swelling in the
your hand or clumsiness with your grip, you may have 1. Use a wrist splint. Wear a splint at night only for two wrist and relieve pressure on the median nerve.
carpal tunnel syndrome. months, then wean yourself off of it. This will help prevent
According to orthopaedic surgeon Peter J. Evans, M.D., any flexing of the wrist and pinching of the nerve that Need Surgery? Know This.
Ph.D., director of the Orthopaedic and Rheumatologic Center might otherwise occur while sleeping. If nonsurgical treatments do not ease the pain, consult
at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, it’s a common condition 2. Treat any underlying conditions. Conditions like with an orthopaedic physician who specializes in treating
that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median obesity, hypothyroidism, diabetes and renal disease hands and upper extremities. Your doctor can further
nerve, which runs from your forearm to your hand through can increase a person’s risk of developing carpal tunnel evaluate you and help guide you through any surgical
the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed or pinched. syndrome. Treating these conditions can help relieve recommendations.
“Symptoms occur most often during sleep, and can discomfort. Surgical treatments involve cutting the band of tissue in
progress from numbness and tingling to pain and wake you,” 3. Work modification. From ergonomic work solutions to the wrist that crosses the median nerve to lessen the pressure.
said Evans. “They also occur when your hands are elevated modifying one’s duties, there may be ways to keep from These procedures can vary from open to minimally invasive,
above your heart, like while reading a book or driving.” exacerbating any discomfort while at work. Speak with and they have a 95 percent success rate in resolving pain and
There are several things people can do before resorting to your employer about your options. numbness, according to Evans. “Most patients are surprised
surgery. Avoid repetitive activities above your chest level or 4. Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). at how quickly they recover from surgery and wonder why
take breaks from them, and avoid using tools that vibrate, like Ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain. Consult with they didn’t fix it sooner,” he said.

NoNpRofIt News

Piper’s Landing’s Giving Tree just a safe haven for victims of domestic violence on counties. Help is available 24/7 by calling its Hotline,

Donation To SafeSpace the Treasure Coast. Legal assistance, financial literacy (772) 288-7023.
training, emotional and mental health counseling, Photo provided by SafeSpace
By Jackie Holfelder community outreach and prevention services
Every year since 2009, the Piper’s Landing Women’s are also provided.
Golf Association (PLWGA), has chosen a local nonprofit Van stated, “2020 has taken a toll on all of
to be the recipient of its “Giving Tree” outreach initiative. us, but victims of domestic violence have been
A tree with donation tags is put up during the impacted more than anyone. So many jobs have
Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday season and Piper’s become work from home – the victim and the
Landing residents write an amount they’d like to abuser are together 24/7 with no easy escape.
contribute to the 501(c)(3). Previous recipients include It is gratifying to be able to support a worthy
House of Hope and Council on Aging of Martin County’s organization like SafeSpace.”
Meals on Wheels program. For more information about SafeSpace, visit
On Jan. 19, PLWGA President Pamela Van presented a www.safespacefl.org or call (772) 223-2399. It
check for $4,010 to Dr. Teresa Albizu, CEO of SafeSpace. is the only certified domestic violence center
The PLGWA chose SafeSpace to receive the giving saving lives and preventing domestic violence Pamela Van, president of Piper’s Landing Women’s Golf Association,
tree donations in 2020 because it provides more than throughout Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie presents a check for $4,010 to Dr. Teresa Albizu, CEO of SafeSpace.

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