Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Know more about Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel is a passageway surrounded by ligaments and bones to shield the median nerve, which runs downward the arm and forearm in the hand. A syndrome is affected to the tunnel, called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome when high pressure is given on the median nerve. This can cause reduced finger and hand function and leave people unable to do even simple tasks.
Carpal tunnel symptoms
The major feature of carpal tunnel syndrome is that it can develop for many years with no visible symptoms. Some beginning symptoms include
- Burning and tingling in the fingers
- numbness and pain in the hand
- weakness of hands
- Unable to grip things in hand
It affects the median nerve, so do the parts of hand. It can include the index finger, thumb, half of the ring finger, etc. The nerve does not control the little finger, so the finger is not affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. People who experience beginning symptoms will experience burning at night and it can get relieved when the hand is vigorously shaken. The syndrome is also called as ‘Hidden disability’ because suffering persons can fully work from outsiders’ view, but they experience restriction in hand function or pain while moving hands.
Causes of carpal tunnel
The syndrome mainly caused by conditions that put abnormal pressure on the median nerve and compromise the blood supply to the fingers. Major causes include diabetes, hypothyroidism, wrist injuries, and dislocation of carpal bones in the wrist, fractures of arm bone and swelling during pregnancy can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel treatment
Many people can find relief by simply changing their workplace and lifestyle habits. People engaged in repetitive wrist activity can rest while at work and relieve the symptoms. Take many small breaks for more beneficial results. By applying cold pack to the hands and wrists you can relieve the swelling. If you don’t find any relief after trying small breaks and cold packs, you can go for wrist splint. By wearing a splint you can keep your hand greatly relieved from the symptoms of tingling, burning and pain. But, if you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome for around a year, then wrist splitting won’t help you.
Today, surgeries are suggested to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome; however it depends on the kind of pain and the number of years you are suffering the syndrome. Consider all possible options and choose the most suitable one to relieve pain and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.