Posted on 08th Oct 2017 / Published in: Hand/Fingers/Thumb , Wrist
An individual suffering with carpal tunnel syndrome has numbness in the hand and wrist pain. Symptoms are attributed to an irritated, inflamed or compressed median nerve, where it travels along the wrist. The carpal tunnel is formed from the bones of the wrist on one side and a band of tissue along the other side. Overuse and injury attribute to swelling and irritation.
The carpal tunnel forms a gateway into the wrist near the crease. Nerves and tendons pass from the forearm and into the carpal tunnel to reach the hand. The syndrome is an inflamed condition within the median nerve that tunnels its way through the openings that surround the carpals of the hand and pass beneath the dense fibrous tissue. The median nerve is responsible for innervating the index, thumb, middle and a portion of the ring fingers. Due to the inflammation, these fingers are the ones affected most from the condition. Internal swelling exerts an outward pressure that prohibits full range of motion for the wrist and the affected fingers, which interferes with daily activities.
Anything that causes swelling, thickening or irritation of the synovial membranes around the tendons in the carpal tunnel can result in pressure on the median nerve.
Some common causes and associated conditions are:
Nb. CTS is aggravated by prolonged extension (bending back) of the wrist and relieved by flexion (forward bending) of the wrist.
The primary and most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive over use, but contributing factors can be rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy.
Depending on the severity of your condition, a wrist splint can help to keep the wrist straight, especially during the nighttime hours. A wrist splint will provide you with the extra cushion and straightening needed to help overcome the problems surrounding carpal tunnel syndrome.
Using a non-steroid anti-inflammatory can help to reduce inflammation and relive pain. Even though studies haven’t shown this to be an effective method of treating the condition, it has been shown to help relieve symptoms.
Looking at any other medical conditions that can contribute to your carpal tunnel syndrome can help you determine what changes need to be made. Changing a treatment plan can help to rectify the problems with your carpal tunnel.
Avoiding or changing those activities that can cause all of the symptoms can help to alleviate some of the pain and pressure. Make sure to take a frequent break from any repetitive tasks to minimize the chance of injury the tendons and nerves within the wrist.
If other treatments are unsuccessful, surgery can help to correct a condition that has been prevalent for years at a time. If nerve damage has occurred, surgery can help to correct the problem. Surgery involves cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. In doing so, the pressure on the median nerve is relieved, which will help to ease the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Osteopathic, chiropractic or physiotherapy can be useful for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Your therapist will reduce inflammation in the wrist, reducing the compression on the median nerve, and reducing your symptoms. They might also look further up your arm to your shoulder, neck or upper back in case this is having an influence on the area.
Computer keyboard users can take several steps to lower their chances of developing CTS. Some of these center around the configuration of the workplace, or "ergonomics." Others have to do with human factors.
Arm rests on the chair, though optional, are often helpful.
You need very little recovery time between keystrokes to cool and lubricate the flexor tendons. If you type constantly, however, the need for recovery builds. Further, working with your hands bent upward at the wrists or frequently bending your wrists sideways heightens the friction within the carpal tunnel. It takes longer to recover from these motions. Working under stress (deadline pressure, anger, or other anxiety) can make matters even worse.
Many studies recommend a 10-15 minute break each hour to give yourself the recovery time you need. This needn't be a break from productive activities just a break from your keyboard. Exercises can help, too. Try the following:
Variety is the key. CTS occurs most frequently in workers whose motions are not only repetitious but are kept up for hours at a time. If you use a keyboard, structure your workdays to include a mix of activities each hour. For example, instead of typing all morning and filing all afternoon, mix typing and filing throughout the day.
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