Numbness in the hand. Numbness in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Pain in the wrist, palm, or forearm. Do these sensations sound familiar to you? If yes, then maybe it is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Read on to find out more about it.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel formed by the bones and tissues of your wrist. This tunnel protects the median nerve which controls the sensation in your fingers and some movements of your hand. For some reason, the tendons and ligaments in the carpal tunnel may get inflamed and compress or pinch the median nerve. This is what causes carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand. You may have these sensations in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. There is pain in the wrist, palm, or the forearm. If ignored, this condition can get worse and you may have trouble gripping objects.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
An early diagnosis of the carpal tunnel syndrome will ensure effective treatment. Your physician may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling in the carpal tunnel. A wrist brace will help and it should especially be worn at night and while performing activities which can worsen the symptoms of this condition. If the symptoms persist, cortisone injections to the area can help reduce the inflammation. If the carpal tunnel syndrome returns, a surgery called the carpal tunnel release may be the only alternative left.
How can your prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?
There are certain conditions that can make you prone to carpal tunnel syndrome. Diabetes, osteoarthritis, thyroid problems, wrist injury, or even a cyst can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have any of these conditions, your physician will first treat them.
However, these days one of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive motions of the hands and wrists. You are especially prone if you work on the computer for hours, play a musical instrument or any such profession which puts excessive pressure on the tendons and ligaments of the wrists.
So make sure that you take a five minute break every hour. Gently massaging your hands, wrists, and fingers will help ease the tension. Exercises such as circular motions of the wrists will relax the hand and wrist. Make sure that your wrists and hands are straight and relaxed while you are working at your desk. Avoid excessive bending or twisting of your wrists.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is becoming more and more common in this modern world because of the extensive use of computers. However, simple precautions can help in preventing it. But if you feel any numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers, get it checked immediately. The sooner you get it treated, the better the chances of avoiding a surgery, which can take up to ten weeks of recovery.
Copyright © Roohi Khan - 2009
The carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel formed by the bones and tissues of your wrist. This tunnel protects the median nerve which controls the sensation in your fingers and some movements of your hand. For some reason, the tendons and ligaments in the carpal tunnel may get inflamed and compress or pinch the median nerve. This is what causes carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand. You may have these sensations in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. There is pain in the wrist, palm, or the forearm. If ignored, this condition can get worse and you may have trouble gripping objects.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
An early diagnosis of the carpal tunnel syndrome will ensure effective treatment. Your physician may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling in the carpal tunnel. A wrist brace will help and it should especially be worn at night and while performing activities which can worsen the symptoms of this condition. If the symptoms persist, cortisone injections to the area can help reduce the inflammation. If the carpal tunnel syndrome returns, a surgery called the carpal tunnel release may be the only alternative left.
How can your prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?
There are certain conditions that can make you prone to carpal tunnel syndrome. Diabetes, osteoarthritis, thyroid problems, wrist injury, or even a cyst can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have any of these conditions, your physician will first treat them.
However, these days one of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive motions of the hands and wrists. You are especially prone if you work on the computer for hours, play a musical instrument or any such profession which puts excessive pressure on the tendons and ligaments of the wrists.
So make sure that you take a five minute break every hour. Gently massaging your hands, wrists, and fingers will help ease the tension. Exercises such as circular motions of the wrists will relax the hand and wrist. Make sure that your wrists and hands are straight and relaxed while you are working at your desk. Avoid excessive bending or twisting of your wrists.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is becoming more and more common in this modern world because of the extensive use of computers. However, simple precautions can help in preventing it. But if you feel any numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers, get it checked immediately. The sooner you get it treated, the better the chances of avoiding a surgery, which can take up to ten weeks of recovery.
Copyright © Roohi Khan - 2009
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