Why Am I Dropping Things?

Carla was always the reliable one at work—organized, focused, and always on top of her tasks. But recently, something strange had started happening. Carla found herself dropping things more often than usual, and it was starting to frustrate her. She once mentioned that she had dropped her coffee mug three times in one week, narrowly avoiding a mess each time. Concerned, she started doing concentration exercises, convinced that her “clumsiness” was the problem. However, what worried us the most was how frequently this was happening to her. 

Why are we telling this story?

If you’re reading this, chances are, you’ve experienced something similar.

Before Assuming the Worst, Let’s Review Possible Causes

Carla believed her problem was linked to absent-mindedness, and she might not be entirely wrong. However, before you jump to any conclusions about why you’re dropping things, it’s important to consider that there are several potential causes, both physical and mental. The reasons could range from temporary muscle fatigue to more chronic conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. But one thing is clear: it’s best not to assume anything without consulting a medical expert.

When you see a doctor, they might ask you several questions to pinpoint the root cause. These could include:

1. Are you taking any medications which might cause muscle weakness or lack of coordination?
2. How is your mental state? Are you feeling anxious, burnt out, or under intense pressure?
3. How frequently do you drop objects, and in what circumstances?
4. Do you experience any localized pain? If so, where is it—your hands, wrists, or shoulders?
5. Does your hand feel numb or tingly?

Depending on your answers, the problem could stem from something temporary like stress or fatigue or from a more specific issue like muscle weakness or nerve-related conditions. While it’s tempting to try and self-diagnose, only a healthcare professional can give you the right answers.

It Could Be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

We never heard from Carla again after she moved away, but over time, we met many others who experienced similar issues. At DynaGaunt, we’ve worked with experts, physical therapists, and patients who described identical symptoms—particularly the habit of dropping objects. Many of these patients complained of weak wrists or numb hands and explained that they felt a loss of control when gripping things. They dropped items more often, even though they weren’t necessarily distracted or tired.

So there was a pattern.

As we dug into the research, we discovered that Carla’s experience was not an isolated case. In fact, according to medical studies, dropping objects occurs in about half of the patients affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. So, if you’re worried about this issue, you’re definitely not alone. CTS happens when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes compressed at the wrist, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

When diagnosing CTS, doctors typically ask questions like:

• Can you grip objects firmly, or do you find yourself losing strength in your hand?
• Do you notice numbness in your hand, particularly in your thumb, index, middle, or ring fingers?
• Is your wrist or hand swollen or tender to the touch?
• Are you able to perform basic tasks like unscrewing a jar lid or gripping small objects?

Once again, If you recognize any of these symptoms, it might be time to consult a doctor, especially if you’re experiencing them in combination with frequently dropping objects.

What to Do If You Are Dropping Things Often

So, what should you do if you find yourself frequently dropping objects? First and foremost, visit a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Dropping things can be linked to a variety of issues, and it’s essential to rule out any potential causes before settling on a treatment plan.

If your doctor determines that you have CTS, you may be referred to a physical therapist or recommended specific treatments. Some of the most common treatments for CTS include:

• Injections: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the median nerve.
• Open surgery: This is sometimes necessary to relieve the compression on the nerve, especially in severe cases.
• Ultrasound therapy: This non-invasive technique can help reduce symptoms through sound waves.
• Lifestyle changes: Simple adjustments, such as changing your workstation ergonomics, can alleviate symptoms.
• Exercises: Specific wrist and hand exercises designed to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
• Restraining movement: Wearing a wrist splint can help prevent further injury by limiting the movement of your wrist, especially while sleeping.

These treatments are often used in combination, depending on the severity of the symptoms and your overall health.

Our Solution

At DynaGaunt, we’ve dedicated ourselves to understanding and addressing the challenges posed by carpal tunnel syndrome and similar conditions. As part of our commitment to workplace wellness, we’ve developed solutions that can help you prevent and manage CTS, ensuring long-term relief and recovery.

We believe that a comprehensive treatment plan is key to overcoming CTS. That’s why we offer a range of services that not only target immediate symptoms but also support your overall recovery. Our offerings include:

• CTS Detection & Prevention Practices: We assess your risk factors and provide feedback on how to reduce the likelihood of developing CTS.
• Performance Analysis: We offer personalized feedback based on your performance during specific exercises aimed at improving wrist strength and flexibility.
• Customized Exercise Plans: Tailored to your specific condition, these exercises focus on strengthening your wrist, hand, and forearm muscles.
• Progress Reports: We monitor your progress and provide ongoing feedback to ensure you’re on the right track toward recovery.

Your Next Step

If you’ve been dropping things more often than usual and are worried that it might be related to CTS, reach out to us at DynaGaunt. Our team of experts can help you understand your symptoms, develop a tailored treatment plan, and take the first steps toward recovery.