Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
By: Jonathan Franco
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition on the hands and fingers by the compression of major nerves. The carpal tunnel is the narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones of the hands that houses the median nerves.
What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The symptoms start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers. You can experience weakens in the hands and have a tendency to drop objects. Aching pain in the forearm between your elbow and wrist.
What are the Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
It can occur when the median nerve that runs from the forearm into the palm becomes squeezed at the wrist. Anything that crowds, compresses, or irritates the median nerve can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. In many cases, no single cause can be found. Many risks can lead to the syndrome.
Who is at Risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The syndrome is very common more than 3 million cases a year. People with diabetes or other metabolic disorders that affect the body's nerves and make susceptible to compression are also at high risk. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually occurs only in adults.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?
Treatments for the syndrome should begin as soon as possible. Underlying causes such as diabetes should be treated first. Generally treatment involves resting the affected area hand and wrist for at least 2 weeks, avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms. Medicine can ease pain and swelling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgical produces in the united States, recommended if symptoms last for 6 months.
How can Carpal tunnel Syndrome be Prevented?
Workers can do on-the-job conditioning,perform stretching exercises, and take frequent rest breaks. Tasks can be redesigned to enable the worker's wrist to maintain a natural position during work.