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.
