Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common disorder that can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling of the fingers. The symptoms are typically worse at night or when using your hands for long periods of time. If you think you might have carpal tunnel syndrome, read our guide to learn more about the condition and how it can be treated.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a fairly common condition where the carpal tunnel of the hand causes lots of pain and problems. The space of the carpal tunnel in the wrist has about nine small bones called carpals, a ligament that holds them together called the transverse carpal ligand and a sheath that covers all of the small muscles and tendons in the palm of the hands. This sheath (the carpal tunnel) is too tight and causes a lot of pressure on the median nerve.
Symptoms of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
The main symptom usually felt by those suffering from CTS is intense pain that occurs in the wrist and palm area as well as the fingers. Also, numbness and tingling can be felt in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger if the condition is not treated. It also usually becomes difficult for sufferers to grip objects or do other simple tasks that require your hand to tighten up. The pain of carpal tunnel syndrome is often worse at night, which makes it difficult for the individual to sleep.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The main cause of CTS is pressure on the median nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel in your wrist, causing this painful condition. The most common way that this happens is due to swelling of fluid around tendons that move the fingers. The tendons in your hand travel through a sheath called the tensynovium, which covers them and helps them slide effortlessly. If this fluid becomes too thick, it will cause a lot of pressure on the carpal tunnel in your wrist and will result in CTS. This is often caused by arthritis or injury to tendons that move the fingers.
Learn more: TOP CAUSES OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There is no cure for CTS, but there are a number of treatment options that can help relieve symptoms and reduce pain caused by the condition. These treatments include surgery to release pressure on the median nerve, splinting or bracing to keep your wrist straight and prevent symptoms from returning, medications that reduce muscle spasms or numb pain, cortisone shots to reduce swelling and symptoms, injections, and therapy to strengthen hand muscles and improve grip strength.
Prevention for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you work a job where you do lots of typing or other repetitive movements, make sure you take regular breaks to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome. When taking breaks, it is also wise to stretch your wrists and fingers for a minute or two. Also, make sure that the office space where you work has good lighting and that your computer monitor is positioned directly in front of you at eye level. This will help prevent symptoms from CTS.
Recovery from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Because there is no cure for CTS, the best way to deal with this condition is to prevent it through treatment and prevention strategies. If you do find yourself suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, make sure you visit your doctor so they can prescribe the best possible treatment option for you. Also, make sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment and recovery carefully. If the condition is not treated properly, it can lead to permanent hand damage.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is an injury that can be painful and debilitating, but it’s also one of the most common injuries. Consult your doctor for a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome in Chicago if you are experiencing any symptoms. You should also take care to avoid further damage by making some changes in your daily life habits. We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding what carpal tunnel syndrome is and how to manage its effects on your quality of life!
