Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common disorder that is caused by compression or swelling of the median nerve that located in the wrist. It can cause symptoms of tingling, numbness or pain in the palm of the hand and fingers. It is usually a condition that occurs gradually and worsens over time without treatment. There is no one cause that has determined for this disorder, but it has been linked to diabetes, arthritis, bone enlargement, reduced thyroid function, pregnancy, uremia, tendon inflammation, or amyloidosis.
It is also believed that carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused or aggravated by repetitive motions. The condition is often found in those who regularly use their wrists in a repetitive manner, like assembly line workers, writers, data entry workers, carpenters, and people who use vibrating machinery. Additionally, those who have hobbies like knitting, gardening and rowing may also see carpal tunnel symptoms.
Tingling, numbness or pain the hand, fingers or wrist may be sign of carpal tunnel syndrome and should be checked by a doctor. During the examination the doctor may check for inflammation, check the range of movement in the wrist or try a test like Phalen's test, which recreates flexing of the wrist to try to bring on symptoms, or Tinel's test which check the median nerve for sensitivity. The most common treatment is the prescription of anti inflammatory medications, which patients often report, help relieve pain. There is not scientific proof, though, that such medications work.
Another treatment your doctor may try is a wrist brace. Wrist braces are sold over the counter in drug stores or pharmacy areas of department stores. The brace helps to stabilize the wrist and keep it in a neutral position which helps relieve pressure on the median nerve. Sometimes corticosteroid injections have been found to help to relieve pain. Most of these types of treatments help people with early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome often require surgery. During the surgery the ligament that runs from left to right over the median nerve is cut through a small incision in the hand. Once cut the pressure on the median nerve is relieved. This will usually solve the problem, but if permanent damage to the nerve has been done then there may be no solution.
After the surgery a person will be on light duty for about 6 weeks when they can then return to normal work duties. The surgery is an outpatient surgery that is done under a local anesthetic.
Alternatively, you may be prescribed a course of physical therapy in some cases. This is a course of therapy that may be more effective if more people were educated about it. During the therapy, a physical therapist will take you through some exercises and teach you how to do them at home in between sessions. Exercises and stretches can be very effective for treating this problem.
It is also believed that carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused or aggravated by repetitive motions. The condition is often found in those who regularly use their wrists in a repetitive manner, like assembly line workers, writers, data entry workers, carpenters, and people who use vibrating machinery. Additionally, those who have hobbies like knitting, gardening and rowing may also see carpal tunnel symptoms.
Tingling, numbness or pain the hand, fingers or wrist may be sign of carpal tunnel syndrome and should be checked by a doctor. During the examination the doctor may check for inflammation, check the range of movement in the wrist or try a test like Phalen's test, which recreates flexing of the wrist to try to bring on symptoms, or Tinel's test which check the median nerve for sensitivity. The most common treatment is the prescription of anti inflammatory medications, which patients often report, help relieve pain. There is not scientific proof, though, that such medications work.
Another treatment your doctor may try is a wrist brace. Wrist braces are sold over the counter in drug stores or pharmacy areas of department stores. The brace helps to stabilize the wrist and keep it in a neutral position which helps relieve pressure on the median nerve. Sometimes corticosteroid injections have been found to help to relieve pain. Most of these types of treatments help people with early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome often require surgery. During the surgery the ligament that runs from left to right over the median nerve is cut through a small incision in the hand. Once cut the pressure on the median nerve is relieved. This will usually solve the problem, but if permanent damage to the nerve has been done then there may be no solution.
After the surgery a person will be on light duty for about 6 weeks when they can then return to normal work duties. The surgery is an outpatient surgery that is done under a local anesthetic.
Alternatively, you may be prescribed a course of physical therapy in some cases. This is a course of therapy that may be more effective if more people were educated about it. During the therapy, a physical therapist will take you through some exercises and teach you how to do them at home in between sessions. Exercises and stretches can be very effective for treating this problem.
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People who develop carpal tunnel syndrome usually notice the symptoms gradually. It begins with burning, tingling or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers.If you begin to notice these symptoms, take action right away, as CTS will worsen unless habits are changed. Check this link easy carpal tunnel exercises that will help ease the pain of CTS.
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