Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Overview

 

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common⁤ condition that affects people from all walks of life. This condition affects the hand and arm, causing ⁢tingling, numbness, and pain. It’s caused by pressure on the⁢ major nerve that ⁢travels through the wrist, known as ‍the median nerve. Recent ​statistics show that‍ up to 5% of adults may be affected by CTS, ⁤with women being affected three times more often than men.

Types

 

While​ there aren’t typed or subtypes of ⁤CTS, the symptoms can vary in ‍intensity and duration from person to person. Chronic carpal tunnel is the long-lasting form of the ‌condition, while acute carpal tunnel may develop quickly, often due to a traumatic injury or sudden onset ⁢of symptoms.

Causes

 

CTS is often caused ​by conditions or activities that put pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. These⁢ can⁤ include:

    • Certain health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and‌ rheumatoid ‍arthritis.

 

    • Repetitive hand motions, especially those involving vibrating tools.

 

    • Pregnancy, due ‌to hormonal ⁣changes and fluid retention.

 

    • Wrist injuries and trauma.

 

Symptoms

 

Those affected by CTS commonly experience:

    • Numbness, tingling, ‌or burning in the thumb,​ index, ⁢and middle fingers.

 

    • Hand weakness, making it difficult to grasp small objects or perform other manual tasks.

 

    • Pain or tingling that may travel up the forearm towards the shoulder.

 

    • Symptoms often worse at night ⁣or upon waking.

 

 

Less common symptoms may include a loss of hand coordination and hot-cold sensations in the ⁢hand.

Diagnosis

 

CTS is⁢ diagnosed through a series of procedures:

    • Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, health conditions ‌and activities that could cause pressure on the median nerve.

 

    • Physical examination:​ Your doctor may bend or tap on your wrist or have you grip something to check‌ for signs of CTS.

 

    • Nerve tests: These tests measure how your median nerve is working and can help determine if you have CTS.

 

    • Imaging: ​In some cases, your doctor may order an MRI or ‍ultrasound to see detailed images of‌ your wrist.

 

Treatment Options

 

Treatment options ⁢for CTS typically depend on the severity of the symptoms.

    • Non-surgical treatments: Can include wrist splinting, avoiding⁢ activities ⁤that worsen symptoms, and taking over-the-counter medication for relief of pain and inflammation.

 

    • Physical therapy: Exercises and therapies like ultrasound or electrical nerve stimulation may be beneficial.

 

    • Surgery: If‌ symptoms are severe or‌ worsening, or if non-surgical treatments have not helped, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

 

Living ​With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 

Managing CTS is often about making small ‌changes to ⁣protect⁤ your wrist and hand.⁣ Tips ‌for managing⁢ CTS include:

    • Take regular breaks from repetitive activities.

 

    • Stretch and flex your wrists regularly.

 

    • Wear a wrist brace during activities that aggravate your symptoms.

 

    • Try to⁣ keep your wrists neutral (not bent in ​either direction).

 

    • Manage ⁣other health conditions that could contribute to CTS.

 

When to Seek Help

 

You should ⁢seek medical help ⁣if you have persistent symptoms of CTS that‌ interfere⁤ with your ⁣normal activities‍ and sleep patterns. Seek immediate medical‍ help if you​ have sudden loss of sensation ​or strength in your hand or⁣ arm or if your symptoms are⁣ rapidly worsening. Early diagnosis⁢ and treatment ⁣are key​ to preventing long-term damage to the median nerve.