If you suspect you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, it is good to know what signs and symptoms to look for. Just because you have a sore wrist doesn't necessarily mean that you have this condition.
One of the most common symptoms of the onset of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a tingling or numbness in the thumb, middle and/or index fingers. Occasionally the ring finer is affected as well and the discomfort may extend into the palm of the hand and up the wrist, and very occasionally radiating up the arm. Symptoms may be worse at night than they are during the day.
If the syndrome continues to worsen, you may have weakness in your wrist and in your grip. Your fine motor skills will become more difficult and you will find it difficult to pick up small objects or perform the little tasks that fine motor skills require. You may find your reflexes impaired as well.
In severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, the muscle at the base of the thumb will atrophy and appear to shrink.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs most frequently in women over 30 years of age. It can be found most commonly in people who do repetitive activities all day long as part of their work. Computer operators, typists, house painters, assembly line workers, check-out clerks and carpenters are just a few of the people who are commonly afflicted with this condition. Repetitive hobbies like knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and gardening may also affect their pain level.
If a person also has arthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, tendon inflammation, and uremia or if they are pregnant, they may find the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome escalate.
Occasionally NSAIDS or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. At times cortisone shots may be recommended.
Medications are sometimes suggested like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or cortisone shots. The theory behind medications is that it will relieve the pain and inflammation that may be causing the syndrome.
As a last resort, surgery is sometimes recommended. Surgery offers permanent relief to some people, while others continue to have pain and numbness. Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome requires cutting the transverse carpal ligament which creates more space for the median nerve. There is some risk of nerve damage, infection, swelling and stiffness and it takes from 3 to 12 months to recover completely.
If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, seek a definitive diagnosis from your doctor and begin treatment as soon as possible. This will help to diminish more severe problems down the road.
More Information:
At the office, workers can perform
carpal tunnel exercises, take regular breaks from uncomfortable desks, wear splints to keep wrists straight when typing, and use correct posture and wrist position when they have to be at the computer. Wearing fingerless gloves can help keep hands from getting cold and stiff. Remember, CTS is a repetitive stress injury, so avoiding repetitive hand motions is key in reducing pain.
Categories
