DEALING WITH CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Are you experiencing pain and numbness in your wrist, palm, and fingers? Does it seem you have lost strength in your hands particularly your thumb? You may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a small passageway in your wrist created by the bones of the wrist. Tendons of the wrist and finger musculature and the median nerve pass through the carpal tunnel. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a series of symptoms that result when the tendons in the carpal tunnel become swollen pinching the median nerve as it travels through the same small opening. If not taken care of the damage caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may become permanent.

There are many factors that may lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. One primary cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is injury or trauma to the wrist. This may be a sudden injury like a sprain/strain or fracture or it may be a repetitive use injury. Repetitive use injuries often go unnoticed as they are slow to develop. Certain occupations lend themselves to repetitive use injuries. These include; assembly line workers, cashiers, carpenters, violinists, and those occupations that require long term use of computer. Gardening, knitting and golfing may also lead to overuse/repetitive use injuries. Other health issues that can be associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are pregnancy, menopause, breast cancer, diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Several treatment options are available to those suffering with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. As with most medical conditions earlier detection means less invasive treatment options. A wrist splint may be worn either all day or just at night to decrease wrist motion allowing time for the wrist to recover from injury. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. These may be over the counter drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen or they may be prescription anti-inflammatory medications. Physical or Occupational Therapy can offer relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms, as well as healing of the wrist and prevention of the return of symptoms through regular prescribed exercises. Surgery is the last option for treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

If you are experiencing the symptoms described above see your physician so you can begin early recovery of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.