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Articles

Facing symptoms and limitations: A qualitative study of women with carpal tunnel syndrome

, ORCID Icon, , ORCID Icon, & ORCID Icon
Pages 650-660 | Received 21 Mar 2022, Accepted 10 Aug 2022, Published online: 22 Aug 2022
 

Abstract

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a neuropathic pain condition characterised by pain, paresthesia, loss of strength and disability.

Objective

To explore the experiences of women with CTS regarding the management of symptoms and limitations.

Methods

A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted. Women with a clinical and electromyographic diagnosis of CTS recruited from the Neurology Department of a Public Hospital were included. Purposeful sampling was performed. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and researchers’ field notes. Analysis proposed by Giorgi was used.

Results

A total of 18 women with CTS were included. Two themes emerged: a) Living with CTS symptoms and limitations: describing the symptoms experienced, triggers of their symptoms and how they define CTS. Also, describing the difficulties that they experience on a daily basis, at home when handling tools, communicating, driving, and at work; and b) developing daily strategies for managing limitations: developing potential daily strategies to overcome daily limitations and/or compensate for them, and seeking professional help.

Conclusions and significance

Current results provide insight on how symptoms and daily limitations are experienced by a group of women with CTS. These findings could help occupational therapists to understand the day-to-day difficulties and the reasons for developing certain strategies.

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

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