Do You Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition of the hands and fingers which result due to the firmness of a major nerve. This medical condition is typically associated with the stiffness, numbness and patients can also experience pain in their fingers. In the present scenario where the workplaces have a typical computer-driven workplace environment, this syndrome is commonly caused by too many hours spent in manipulating a mouse or typing on a keyboard.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may be caused by fluid retention or continual repetitive movements. 

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpus is a word derived from the Greek word Karpos which in the literal terms means ‘Wrist’. A band of fibrous tissue surrounding the wrist functions as a support for the joint. The tight space present between the wrist bone and the fibrous band is referred to as the carpal tunnel. A central nerve passes through the carpal tunnel to receive sensation signal from index, middle fingers and the thumb of the hand. The condition of change in the position of the tissues along with a condition causing swelling within the carpal tunnel which in turn irritate and squeeze the median nerve. 

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

·        In most of the patients the cause for this nerve disorder remains unknown, since any condition which exerts pressure on this central nerve present in the wrist can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of the common medical conditions that can lead to this neurological disease include diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity, pregnancy, trauma and arthritis. Long hours of uninterrupted typing can also cause carpal tunnel symptoms. In addition to this some of the rare diseases like sarcoidosis, leukemia, myeloma and amyloidosis can cause deposition of abnormal substances in and round the tunnel. 

Several other causes known to trigger Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:

• Genetic family history of CTS
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women are known to be more prone to developing CTS
• Accidents or injuries to the wrist
• Rheumatoid arthritis 

Medical researchers have shown that women under the running between the ages of 30 to 60 years have comparatively higher chances of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in comparison to men. The groups of people primarily at risk of suffering from ergonomic lifestyle disease are workers who either need to type frequently including typists, secretaries, computer data entry professionals, cashiers and a great number of factory workers. 

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Symptoms of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome would simply include nagging ache in the wrist area which in due course of time can soar up to a point where the pain becomes severe and one would have opt for wrist surgery. In chronic CTS cases, this medical condition may even make simple daily tasks such as unscrewing a bottle top or fastening a shoelace painful and difficult.

At the beginning, pain is majorly felt in the index or middle fingers and thumb but does not extend to the little finger. The pain is usually felt in the thumb, index or middle fingers but does not extend to the little finger. In the initial stages, the pain may be felt irregularly but as the CTS condition progresses one may experience constant pain in the wrist area.

Elaborated List of Symptoms Commonly Associated with CTS:

Radiating pain:

The patients suffering from the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often experience a sharp shooting pain radiating out in their fingers and palms or into their forearm. The patient can experience a condition where a sudden increase in dropping the objects being carried by them due to an increasing weakness in their wrist.

Ghost swelling:

Many patients suffering from CTS also experience a feeling of their wrist or palms have swelled up while there appears no visible swelling. This typically is a sign of advanced Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which requires for immediate medical attention. 

Discoloration:

In chronic cases discoloration of the wrist area can also be seen.

Sleepless Nights:

The CTS symptoms often noticeable during the night which in turn leads to disrupted sleep cycles and experiencing fatigue during the working hours. The reason for this can be seen that during the night, the fluid tends to accumulate around the stressed wrist area since the palm is placed flat in the long sleep hours.

Burning, weakness and tingling: 

The advanced signs of CTS include weakening of the wrist tissues and experiencing a burning sensation.

Numbness or tingling in your fingers:

The Carpal Tunnel in the beginning can be detected with a numb sensation or a mild tingling while typing or driving. There are also chances of the patient to experience decreased grip ability.   

Symptoms are often experienced on both hands:

In cases suffering from CTS condition it is seen that though one palm may be more severely affected, but the patient experiences numbness or pain in both hands, especially on the palm side.

Watch Out for the Activities that Might Put You at the Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

It has been mentioned in various medical journals that the tasks having repetitive nature are the prime factor for the tissues of the hands to swell, pertaining to the condition of Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Along with this a lot of driving and fly fishing increases the risk of a person suffering from this lifestyle disorder.  

Here is a brief list of activities that are widely linked to the carpal tunnel:

• Driving and clenching the wheel for long periods
• Movements that concentrate pressure and motion at one part of the hand or wrist
• Computer and keyboard use
• Using power tools that vibrate
• Forceful or repetitive hand or wrist movements, particularly in a cold environment
• Working with small instruments

The people indulged in the activities of poultry, Meat and fish packing are at the highest risk of suffering from this syndrome. The risk is as high as 15 percent according to some studies. On the other hand automotive assembly line workers are close behind at 10 percent. The home related activities include needlepoint, carpentry, intense sewing and cooking.

Prevention from the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

There are lots of good options present to manage and treat carpal tunnel . Wrist splints, Ergonomic changes along with improving body motions helps in keeping you away from this neurological disorder.  It is also mandatory for making use of physical therapies, surgery and medications. It is advised that pharmacist is aware of this medical condition before purchasing anti-inflammatory medicine as these medicines may interact with other medical conditions. 

Don’t Wait to Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

It is often seen that people suffering from the CTS condition usually wait for weeks, months and sometimes even years before visiting the doctor to seek treatment.

This medical condition can easily be treated without surgeries if reported at the first sign of pain. The treatment would require one to observe chiropractic manipulation of the elbow, shoulder, wrist and neck. Incorporate stretching exercises and alter ergonomic work station .The Chiropractic care is considered the best way of treating CTS condition along with practicing manual therapies.

So now there is no need to worry if someone in your family or any of your friends is suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as they can be easily treated by the expert doctors at any time.