If you are someone who has a job that requires repeated use of the hands and wrists, then you may know what carpal tunnel syndrome is all about. You know all about that tightening feeling in the forearm and wrist, numbness and sometimes even pain. You know what it's like to wake up in the middle of the night with any one of these sensations, and you are wondering what to do about it.
To understand what carpal tunnel syndrome does, you need to learn about the physiology of your wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed. This debilitating and sometimes painful condition usually needs some type of treatment to make it better.
If you rely on your hands and arms for a living, carpal tunnel syndrome can be a big problem. Typists and those who spend hours on the computer know that this problem may cost them their job. Similar stresses worry construction workers, painters and even hair stylists. When the pain affects your work, it is not unusual to lose some of your productivity. Most people take it for granted that their hands will continue to do everything they need to do without complaint. When they begin feeling the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, they may be surprised.
Surgery is one option for those who wish to be rid of the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel surgery is usually done under "twilight anesthesia". The surgery itself involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve ongoing damage to the nerves. The transverse carpal ligament is a ligament at the wrist that wraps around all the other ligaments running vertically along the arm. The idea is that cutting this ever tightening ligament will immediately reduce pressure on the other ligaments. The transverse carpal ligament will then "scar" together while leaving more room for the other ligaments.
The truth is that the outcome of any surgery is unpredictable at best, and when dealing with the smaller ligaments, bones and muscles of the hand and wrist, it isn't a good idea to go poking there. This kind of surgery and rehabilitation can cost up to $10,000 dollars and may or may not relieve one's carpal tunnel syndrome. Also, the loss of strength in the wrist and arms is another distinct possibility.
Preventing and relieving carpal tunnel syndrome is much easier than you think. To start, you should take some time off from doing what you are doing to cause your pain. Even if this is only a couple of days, the time off will help. Simple wrist exercises to stretch the transverse carpal ligament can be done to ease the pressure on the other ligaments. Work with a physical therapist to find the right stretches that work for you and you should see results almost immediately. Always use surgery as a last resort.
Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome is easier than you think. With a little effort, you can do the stretches and activities necessary to reduce the tightness of your transverse carpal ligament and avoid risky surgery.
To understand what carpal tunnel syndrome does, you need to learn about the physiology of your wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed. This debilitating and sometimes painful condition usually needs some type of treatment to make it better.
If you rely on your hands and arms for a living, carpal tunnel syndrome can be a big problem. Typists and those who spend hours on the computer know that this problem may cost them their job. Similar stresses worry construction workers, painters and even hair stylists. When the pain affects your work, it is not unusual to lose some of your productivity. Most people take it for granted that their hands will continue to do everything they need to do without complaint. When they begin feeling the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, they may be surprised.
Surgery is one option for those who wish to be rid of the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel surgery is usually done under "twilight anesthesia". The surgery itself involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve ongoing damage to the nerves. The transverse carpal ligament is a ligament at the wrist that wraps around all the other ligaments running vertically along the arm. The idea is that cutting this ever tightening ligament will immediately reduce pressure on the other ligaments. The transverse carpal ligament will then "scar" together while leaving more room for the other ligaments.
The truth is that the outcome of any surgery is unpredictable at best, and when dealing with the smaller ligaments, bones and muscles of the hand and wrist, it isn't a good idea to go poking there. This kind of surgery and rehabilitation can cost up to $10,000 dollars and may or may not relieve one's carpal tunnel syndrome. Also, the loss of strength in the wrist and arms is another distinct possibility.
Preventing and relieving carpal tunnel syndrome is much easier than you think. To start, you should take some time off from doing what you are doing to cause your pain. Even if this is only a couple of days, the time off will help. Simple wrist exercises to stretch the transverse carpal ligament can be done to ease the pressure on the other ligaments. Work with a physical therapist to find the right stretches that work for you and you should see results almost immediately. Always use surgery as a last resort.
Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome is easier than you think. With a little effort, you can do the stretches and activities necessary to reduce the tightness of your transverse carpal ligament and avoid risky surgery.
About the Author:
Many carpal tunnel sufferers are told they need surgery when looking for relief from their pain. However, what some doctors don't tell you is that invasive surgery doesn't always alleviate all of your symptoms and can actually cause more problems. Follow this link to learn about alternatives to carpal tunnel surgery.
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