Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the wrist and hand. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, is compressed or squeezed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and fingers.
In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve controls the sensation and movement of the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that contains the median nerve and several tendons.
Common Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. These symptoms often occur at night and can wake you up from sleep. They may also occur during the day, especially when you are using your hands for activities such as typing, writing, or gripping objects. Other symptoms may include weakness in the hand, a feeling of swelling in the fingers, and difficulty with fine motor tasks.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. These include repetitive hand movements, such as typing or using a computer mouse, or activities that involve gripping or vibrating tools. Other risk factors include pregnancy, menopause, obesity, arthritis, and diabetes.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available for carpal tunnel syndrome, depending on the severity of your symptoms. These may include –
Resting the affected hand and avoiding activities that aggravate your symptoms.
Using a wrist splint to immobilise the wrist and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Taking anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, to reduce pain and inflammation.
Performing exercises to strengthen the muscles in the hand and wrist.
In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Conclusion
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with proper treatment, it can be managed effectively. By understanding the causes and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, you can take steps to prevent or manage this condition. If you are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, it is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
If you need help please book an appointment with our team today by clicking the button below –