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Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs after the median nerve is compressed as it passes into the hand. It is a nerve located on the palm side of the hand. Other referred to as a carpal tunnel. It provides a sensation to the thumb, the long finger, the index finger, and part of the ring finger. It will supply the impulse to the muscle that goes to the thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can affect either one or both of your hands. Swelling inside the wrist leads to compression in carpal tunnel syndrome. This can cause weakness, numbness, and tingling on the side of the hand near the thumb.
The pain in the carpal tunnel is caused by excess pressure that is put on the wrist and the median nerve. Inflammation can lead to swelling. One of the most common causes of this inflammation is an underlying condition that leads to swelling in the wrist and sometimes even an obstructed blood flow. Some of the most frequent conditions linked with carpal tunnel syndrome include thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, high blood pressure, fractures, trauma to the wrist, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, or fluid retention from menopause and pregnancy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen in cases where the wrist is overextended repeatedly. Repeated wrist motion will contribute to swelling and the compression of the median nerve. It can result from positioning the wrists while using the mouse or keyboard, prolonged exposure to vibrations from power tools or hand tools, or repeated movement that overextends the wrist, such as playing the piano or typing.
This condition affects women more than it affects men. It is most frequently a condition that is diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60. Certain conditions increase the risk of developing it, which include diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Some lifestyle factors increase the risk for carpal tunnel syndromes, such as high salt intake, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and a high body mass index. Some jobs that involve repetitive wrist movement include construction work, keyboarding occupations, assembly line work, and manufacturing. People who work in such occupations are at a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, tingling, as well as pain in the thumb and the first three fingers of the hand, pain and burning which travels up the arm, wrist pain at night which interferes with sleep, as well as weakness in the mules of the hand.
Doctors can diagnose the condition by asking questions about your medical history, a physical examination, as well as tests known as nerve conduction studies. A physical examination will include a detailed evaluation of the hand, wrist, shoulder, and neck to check for any other causes of nerve pressure. The doctor will check your wrists for swelling, tenderness, and other deformities. They will also check the sensation of the fingers and the strength of the muscles in hand. A Nerve conduction study is a test used for diagnostic purposes and helps measure the nerve impulses’ conduction speed. In cases where the nerve impulse is slower than normal as it passes into the hand, you might suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Living with carpal tunnel pain will involve making some adjustments to heal from the syndrome. Treating carpal tunnel syndrome will depend on how severe the pain is, as well as what its symptoms of it are. Some non-surgical options include avoiding positions that overextend the wrist, wearing wrist splints that hold the hand in a neutral position, especially at night, taking mild pain medication and medications which help to reduce inflammation, and treating any underlying conditions that you might have, such as arthritis or diabetes and steroid injections which are inserted into the carpal tunnel area and help to reduce inflammation.
Surgery might be necessary in cases where there is severe damage to the median nerve. Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome will involve cutting the band of tissue in the wrist, which crosses the median nerve as to lessen the pressure that is being put on the nerve. Factors that determine the success or failure of treatment include how old the patient is, how long the symptoms last, diabetes mellitus, and whether there is any weakness present. The outcome is typically positive.
There are some lifestyle changes that you can make to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. This helps to reduce the risk factors for developing it. Treating conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis can help you to reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. You must pay careful attention to your hand posture and avoid activities that overextend the wrist. This is a very important strategy when it comes to reducing symptoms.
Physical therapy exercises can be helpful as well. Your doctor might refer you to a physical therapist who can show you how to perform such exercises properly. If you treat your carpal tunnel syndrome early on with the help of physical therapy and lifestyle changes, you can notice long-term improvement. You can eliminate the symptoms of the condition.
Although it is very unlikely, if the syndrome is left untreated, it can lead to nerve damage which is permanent, disability as well as loss of hand function. It is, therefore, important to speak to a doctor if you notice pain and have the cause of your pain evaluated. This can lead to early treatment, which will improve the condition’s outcome. Following the instructions provided to you by your doctor is also important to ensure that the condition doesn’t worsen.
New York Pain Care, the leading pain management provider in New York, takes pride in helping thousands of state residents find pain relief every year. When carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers need treatment for their condition, they turn to the devoted team of NYPC. Although our doctors and nurses specialize in back and spine pain-related injuries and illnesses, we also assist patients dealing with pain and weakness in their extremities.
New York Pain Care
20 Squadron Blvd, Suite 290
New City, NY 10956
(212) 242-8160
