Do your wrists, hands or fingers ache from overuse? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a very painful condition that is not always easy to recognize, but is not something that should be ignored. Recognizing the symptoms of this condition may help you seek early treatment and receive proper care before irreparable damage is done.
If you do have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, one of the first things you will notice is numbness or tingling in your thumb, index and/or middle fingers. The discomfort may extend to your ring finger, into your palm and up your wrist. You may find at times that the pain radiates up your arms and that your symptoms are worse at night.
If the syndrome continues to worsen, you may have weakness in your wrist and in your grip. Your fine motor skills will become more difficult and you will find it difficult to pick up small objects or perform the little tasks that fine motor skills require. You may find your reflexes impaired as well.
In severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, the muscle at the base of the thumb will atrophy and appear to shrink.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs most frequently in women over 30 years of age. It can be found most commonly in people who do repetitive activities all day long as part of their work. Computer operators, typists, house painters, assembly line workers, check-out clerks and carpenters are just a few of the people who are commonly afflicted with this condition. Repetitive hobbies like knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and gardening may also affect their pain level.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may intensify if a person has tendon inflammation, hypothyroidism, arthritis, diabetes or uremia as well. Pregnancy may also cause the symptoms to escalate.
If you suspect carpal tunnel syndrome, see your doctor for a definitive diagnosis. You may first want to avoid any activity that makes the condition worse, if you can. Simple rest and modified activity is usually the first line of treatment. Wear a wrist splint during the day and especially during the night may help as well. This protects the wrist from unnecessary motion. If the condition is work related, an occupational therapist may be able to help you adjust your motions to relieve the problem.
Some doctors will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs that are nonsteroidal (NSAIDS) to relieve the pain and reduce inflammation. Cortisone shots are sometimes used as well.
Surgery is reserved for severe cases. Many people get permanent relief through surgery, while others may still have some pain or numbness if the nerve has been permanently damaged. Carpal tunnel release surgery involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to allow more space for the median nerve. Recovery time may last from 3 to 12 months. Surgery has risks such as infection, stiffness, swelling and nerve damage.
If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, seek a definitive diagnosis from your doctor and begin treatment as soon as possible. This will help to diminish more severe problems down the road.
If you do have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, one of the first things you will notice is numbness or tingling in your thumb, index and/or middle fingers. The discomfort may extend to your ring finger, into your palm and up your wrist. You may find at times that the pain radiates up your arms and that your symptoms are worse at night.
If the syndrome continues to worsen, you may have weakness in your wrist and in your grip. Your fine motor skills will become more difficult and you will find it difficult to pick up small objects or perform the little tasks that fine motor skills require. You may find your reflexes impaired as well.
In severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, the muscle at the base of the thumb will atrophy and appear to shrink.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs most frequently in women over 30 years of age. It can be found most commonly in people who do repetitive activities all day long as part of their work. Computer operators, typists, house painters, assembly line workers, check-out clerks and carpenters are just a few of the people who are commonly afflicted with this condition. Repetitive hobbies like knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and gardening may also affect their pain level.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may intensify if a person has tendon inflammation, hypothyroidism, arthritis, diabetes or uremia as well. Pregnancy may also cause the symptoms to escalate.
If you suspect carpal tunnel syndrome, see your doctor for a definitive diagnosis. You may first want to avoid any activity that makes the condition worse, if you can. Simple rest and modified activity is usually the first line of treatment. Wear a wrist splint during the day and especially during the night may help as well. This protects the wrist from unnecessary motion. If the condition is work related, an occupational therapist may be able to help you adjust your motions to relieve the problem.
Some doctors will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs that are nonsteroidal (NSAIDS) to relieve the pain and reduce inflammation. Cortisone shots are sometimes used as well.
Surgery is reserved for severe cases. Many people get permanent relief through surgery, while others may still have some pain or numbness if the nerve has been permanently damaged. Carpal tunnel release surgery involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to allow more space for the median nerve. Recovery time may last from 3 to 12 months. Surgery has risks such as infection, stiffness, swelling and nerve damage.
If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, seek a definitive diagnosis from your doctor and begin treatment as soon as possible. This will help to diminish more severe problems down the road.
About the Author:
At the office, office employees can perform carpal tunnel exercises, take regular breaks from uncomfortable desks, wear splints to keep wrists straight when typing, and use correct posture and wrist position when they have to be at the computer. Wearing fingerless gloves can help keep hands from getting cold and stiff. Remember, CTS is a repetitive stress injury, so avoiding repetitive hand motions is key in easing symptoms.
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