Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common disorder that is caused by compression or swelling of the median nerve that located in the wrist. It can cause symptoms of tingling, numbness or pain in the palm of the hand and fingers. It is usually a condition that occurs gradually and worsens over time without treatment. There is no one cause that has determined for this disorder, but it has been linked to diabetes, arthritis, bone enlargement, reduced thyroid function, pregnancy, uremia, tendon inflammation, or amyloidosis.
It is also believed that carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused or aggravated by repetitive motions. The condition is often found in those who regularly use their wrists in a repetitive manner, like assembly line workers, writers, data entry workers, carpenters, and people who use vibrating machinery. Additionally, those who have hobbies like knitting, gardening and rowing may also see carpal tunnel symptoms.
Tinel's test checks for sensitivity of the median nerve. Your doctor will most likely prescribe anti-inflammatories in the case of swelling around the nerve. There is little evidence whether or not these are effective for carpal tunnel syndrome, but some patients have reported feeling some relief when using them. Another common treatment your doctor will recommend is a wrist brace. You can get these in the pharmacy area of most stores.
Another treatment your doctor may try is a wrist brace. Wrist braces are sold over the counter in drug stores or pharmacy areas of department stores. The brace helps to stabilize the wrist and keep it in a neutral position which helps relieve pressure on the median nerve. Sometimes corticosteroid injections have been found to help to relieve pain. Most of these types of treatments help people with early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome often require surgery. During the surgery the ligament that runs from left to right over the median nerve is cut through a small incision in the hand. Once cut the pressure on the median nerve is relieved. This will usually solve the problem, but if permanent damage to the nerve has been done then there may be no solution.
This usually relieves the problem unless there has been permanent damage done to the nerve. Recovery takes several weeks before the patient can return to light duty at work. By six weeks, they can return to normal duty. This surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic.
An alternative to surgery is often physical therapy. The therapy involves exercises that are taught to you by a physical therapist. You do the exercises at home between sessions. These exercises can be a very effective treatment and alternative to surgery.
It is also believed that carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused or aggravated by repetitive motions. The condition is often found in those who regularly use their wrists in a repetitive manner, like assembly line workers, writers, data entry workers, carpenters, and people who use vibrating machinery. Additionally, those who have hobbies like knitting, gardening and rowing may also see carpal tunnel symptoms.
Tinel's test checks for sensitivity of the median nerve. Your doctor will most likely prescribe anti-inflammatories in the case of swelling around the nerve. There is little evidence whether or not these are effective for carpal tunnel syndrome, but some patients have reported feeling some relief when using them. Another common treatment your doctor will recommend is a wrist brace. You can get these in the pharmacy area of most stores.
Another treatment your doctor may try is a wrist brace. Wrist braces are sold over the counter in drug stores or pharmacy areas of department stores. The brace helps to stabilize the wrist and keep it in a neutral position which helps relieve pressure on the median nerve. Sometimes corticosteroid injections have been found to help to relieve pain. Most of these types of treatments help people with early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome often require surgery. During the surgery the ligament that runs from left to right over the median nerve is cut through a small incision in the hand. Once cut the pressure on the median nerve is relieved. This will usually solve the problem, but if permanent damage to the nerve has been done then there may be no solution.
This usually relieves the problem unless there has been permanent damage done to the nerve. Recovery takes several weeks before the patient can return to light duty at work. By six weeks, they can return to normal duty. This surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic.
An alternative to surgery is often physical therapy. The therapy involves exercises that are taught to you by a physical therapist. You do the exercises at home between sessions. These exercises can be a very effective treatment and alternative to surgery.
About the Author:
People who develop carpal tunnel syndrome usually notice the symptoms gradually. starts with burning, tingling or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers.If you begin to notice these symptoms, take action right away, as CTS will worsen unless habits are changed. Check this link easy carpal tunnel exercises that will help ease the pain of CTS.
No comments:
Post a Comment