People worldwide have to manage and eal with carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition can affect the functioning of the hands and fingers. Carpal tunnel occurs when a nerve in the hand called the median nerve gets pressed, damaged, or squeezed in the wrist area. The median nerve is important. It is responsible for feeling in a large portion of the hand, including a portion of the thumb, middle finger, index finger, and a portion of the ring finger as well. The median nerve also controls the function of some muscles that are located at the base of the thumb.
There are ways to treat and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Taking proactive steps toward hand health and prevention are especially important to those individuals who are at higher risk for suffering from this condition.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel
There are numerous potential causes for this condition. One cause would be injury or trauma to the hand or wrist. Repetitive motions such as pulling, tugging, twisting, or other unnatural motions can cause carpal tunnel syndrome over time. Jobs that require a lot of typing may cause repetitive motion injury and carpal tunnel. Using handheld devices for long periods each day may aggravate the median nerve and cause damage. Vibrations or stress on the palms can also contribute to this condition. Some other underlying health conditions can also cause or worsen carpal tunnel syndrome. These conditions include:
- Thyroid issues
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders
- Fluid retention from things like pregnancy or menopause
- Hypertension
If someone has any of these conditions, they are more at risk for carpal tunnel. The good news is treating these conditions may also have the side effect of improving carpal tunnel symptoms before they get worse. Talking to a doctor about options for treatment is recommended.
Signs and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very uncomfortable condition to deal with. Some ways that people may know they have carpal tunnel include:
- Hands and fingers going numb or tingling throughout the day
- Waking up with little to no feeling in the hands or fingers
- Frequently dropping things they are holding or carrying
- Weakness in the hands and fingers
- Pain or burning sensations throughout the hand and forearm
- Pain in the hand or wrist that disrupts sleep
- Inability to put hands or fingers in certain positions without pain
The symptoms of carpal tunnel are uncomfortable and they can be disruptive to work as well as daily life. For those experiencing one or more of these symptoms on a consistent basis, they may want to reach out to a doctor for treatment.
Prevention and Treatment of Carpal Tunnel
Preventing carpal tunnel will often include lifestyle changes. Prevention options include:
- Treating underlying medical issues
- Implementing physical therapy
- Avoiding overuse or overextension of the hands
Some of the milder, non-surgical options for carpal tunnel treatment include:
- Wrist splints
- Medications such as pain relievers or anti-inflammatories
- Avoiding positions or movements that aggravate the condition
Surgery is required to treat severe cases. Surgery involves cutting the band of tissue that goes over the median nerve to relieve pressure. There are two types of surgery. They are:
- Open Surgery - Open surgery involves an incision in the wrist that is up to two inches in length. Through the incision, the surgeon will cut the carpal ligament and make the carpal tunnel larger.
- Endoscopic Surgery - Endoscopic surgery involves smaller incisions and the use of a camera. This type of surgery uses two small incisions about a half-inch in length. The camera and a small cutting instrument are inserted and the ligament is cut. Endoscopic surgery may heal faster but can sometimes require more surgery if there are complications.