Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Symptom, Treatment And Causes

The median nerve gets compressed while passing in to the hand, in carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve is situated towards the palm (also called carpal tunnel). The sensations for feeling in the thumb, long finger, index fingers and a portion of the ring finger are provided by the median nerve. It also provides the muscle of the thumb its impulse. Carpal tunnel syndrome may affect both or just one hand. Compression is caused due to the swelling within the wrists. It may result in weakness, numbness and a tingling sensation right next to the thumb. There usually is another medical ailment that leads to the wrist’s swelling and prevents proper flow of blood.

• Thyroid dysfunction
• Diabetes
• Fluid retention due to menopause or pregnancy
• High BP
• Trauma or fracture to the wrist
• Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis

Carpal tunnel syndrome might become worse if the wrist gets overstretched repeatedly. Repeated wrist motions may cause compression and swelling in the median nerve. The problems are:

• Poor wrist positioning during mouse and keyboard use
• Extended periods of vibration while using power tools or hand tools
• Any repetitive movements that stretches the wrist activity like typing or playing the synthesizer

Women are thrice as more likely for having carpal tunnel syndrome when compared with men. Carpal tunnel syndrome gets frequently diagnosed from 30 to 60 years of age. High BP, arthritis and diabetes are a few conditions that increase the likelihood for having carpal tunnel syndrome.

Higher salt intake, a high BMI (body mass index), smoking and a sedentary lifestyle are all lifestyle factors which might increase the chances of having carpal tunnel syndrome. Jobs involving repetitive wrist movements like keyboard related work, construction work and manufacturing offer higher chances for having carpal tunnel syndrome.

Assisted with tests known as nerve-conduction studies, a physical exam and with your medical history a doctor will diagnose the condition. A detailed wrist, shoulder, neck and hand evaluation is included in a physical exam. This is done for checking for any nerve pressure causes. The doctor checks for deformities, tenderness and swelling in the wrists. They then check for sensation in the fingers and also the hand’s muscular strength.