Everything You Need to Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Have you been having issues with your hands, wrists, or fingers? Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects many people. In today’s world of 8-hour days with our fingers constantly on keyboards, carpal tunnel syndrome can sneak up on us over time.
If you’re having issues with your hands and think it could be carpel tunnel syndrome, we’ll provide the information that can help you to understand what it is, if you’re at risk, and what treatment options are available.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is a neurological condition. This occurs when the median nerve receives pressure. This nerve is located in the palm of your hand and extends into the forearm. CTS can cause pain or numbness in the hand, fingers, or wrist.
The carpal tunnel is the opening between the wrist and forearm. The median nerve passes through it and provides sensory and motor skills to the three middle fingers and the thumb.
The National Library of Medicine reports that in the United States, carpal tunnel syndrome affects between 1 to 3 people per 1000 each year.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Although symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be different per person, there are some general commonalities. Here are a few of the most common symptoms:
Weakness in Hands or Fingers
The feeling of generalized weakness in the hands, fingers, or wrists is a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Some with this condition experience difficulty manipulating their fingers or have some difficulty turning the pages of a book or a newspaper.
Numb or Tingling Fingers
One of the most commonly reported symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness or a tingling sensation in the thumb and fingers. Sometimes this sensation can travel up past the wrist and continue to the elbow.
Finger Weakness When Holding or Gripping Objects
If you’ve been experiencing greater difficulty holding or gripping objects, this could be a sign that you have or are developing CTS. If you find yourself shaking out your hands or wrists to find relief or if this helps when trying to write with a pen, this could be a sign you have a problem.
Fingers Feel Swollen
Some with CTS report that their fingers feel stiff or swollen.
Increased Finger Pain or Numbness at Night
Even at times of rest, carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers report an increase in finger stiffness or pain and even finger numbness. In severe cases, these symptoms can sometimes disrupt a person’s sleep, causing them to wake up due to uncomfortable feelings in their hands, wrists, or fingers.
These symptoms generally start off slow and are tolerable. However, as the compression of the median nerve continues, symptoms will begin to worsen.
Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Those who are most at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome are those who spend extended time using a computer. Workers who use vibrating equipment or tools for prolonged periods are also at risk of developing this condition. Assembly line workers and those who perform long hours of repetitive wrist flexing are also at risk.
Women have a greater risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome than men. This could be due to women typically having a smaller carpal tunnel cavity.
Other risk factors include certain types of nerve-damaging illnesses such as diabetes. Rheumatoid arthritis can also increase the risk of developing CTS.
What Treatment Options are Available?
Fortunately, there are many different treatment options available. Once you’ve been properly diagnosed by a physician, contact professional carpal tunnel injury treatment specialists who can recommend the best treatment plan for you. Common treatment options include:
Hand Splints
Wearing a hand splint can sometimes help to ease the pain and discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Hand Exercises
A carpal tunnel injury specialist can design a regimen of specific hand exercises that can help to reduce discomfort.
Surgery
Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is usually done as an outpatient treatment and doesn’t require an overnight stay in a hospital. Post-surgery, your hand and wrist will be wrapped and placed into a split. Recovery times vary by patient and will depend upon the level of invasiveness of the surgery.
Don’t Continue to Suffer From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you’re one of the many who suffer from CTS, there’s no reason to suffer in silence. Consult with a carpal tunnel syndrome specialist now. They can recommend the best treatment options to help relieve your pain. Whether it’s exercise, splints, lifestyle changes, or surgery, relief is just a consultation away.
