Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is a very common problem affecting your hands and wrists. Many believe that computers are a major cause for such kind of a problem. But Before this problem was already in existence due to the kind of work we used to do. Computers do add to the risk of the syndrome but, is not termed as a main culprit. There are other reasons for suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome such like knitting, wood carving, minute work or detailed work, excessive use of vibrating machines and driving for a long time.
Carpal tunnel lies in the wrist and the very important nerve called the median nerve is also present there. This nerve helps in controlling some of the muscles which help in movement of the thumb. Problem occurs when too much pressure is applied on the median nerve. This pressure leads to the swelling of the tendons which squeezes the carpal tunnel leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Anyone can be affected by this syndrome. Age is not a barrier. It is being noted that women are affected more by this syndrome, in comparison to men. The worst affected areas are the thumb, middle finger and index finger. You can experience continuous pain, tingling sensation or numbness. The pain can be very severe as it might wake you up in the middle of the night. Do not ignore the symptoms as it may be one of the most serious things which could always cause problems to your hands, arms, shoulders and wrists.
Reasons for Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
-Rheumatoid Arthritis
-Pregnancy
-Osteoarthritis
-Diabetes
-Amyloidosis
-Hypothyroidism
-Tumors and similar conditions
-Fluid retention
-Swelling or inflammation of the tendons
Some of the things which you can do to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome
-Regular exercise for your wrists and hand
-Avoiding too much stress on your hands and wrists
-Follow a proper posture while sitting on your computer
-Usage of acupuncture or osteopathy
-Get your arms, wrists massaged
-Avoid pressures on your wrists. Use your elbows and shoulders instead
-Take short breaks during work
-Warm up before you start your work
-Avoid sleeping on your hands
-If you are a regular user of the computer you can set your keyboard in a flat position rather than a slanting position
-Do not rest your wrists on the keyboard
-Try using a mouse pad and avoid resting it on the desk
-Type softly
-Sleep in an upright position to avoid pressure on your nerves
-Don't tie the hand bandage very tightly
Some simple remedies for Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
-You can apply ice pack for relieve
-Usage of acupuncture or osteopathy
-Get your arms, wrists massaged
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Wrist
You may be sleeping at night or maybe working at your keyboard and suddenly an arrow of fire shoots through your fingers, blazes through your wrists, and travels up your arm, ending in your elbow. Your fingers tingle at the impact and then the wrist and the fingers become numb. Has this happened to you ever? Do your fingers, specially the thumb, the index finger and the middle finger tingle and occasionally go numb and you feel you're losing your firm grip? If these symptoms match with what you might be experiencing now and then, there's a distinct possibility that you're suffering from a condition known in medical terminology as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome .
Before we launch into the remedies available, let's inform ourselves a bit about where exactly this tunnel is located and why this syndrome causes so much discomfort. But even before we take the first step we must know that numbness of the fingers and the wrist is the most important sign of this syndrome.
Now coming back to where we were, the carpal tunnel is a circular passage in the wrist through which the median nerve and tendons which control the flexing of the fingers and the palms pass. If for some reason the median nerve gets compressed, discomfort starts. Any bending of the wrists causes the aperture in the carpal tunnel to get smaller and some pressure is exerted on the median nerve. The reason for such a compression can also be as simple as sleeping with bent wrists! Occasionally it happens to all of us, but if the symptoms persist, a visit to the doctor is necessary.
Generally it's believed that this problem is the result of repetitive and forceful use of the lower arm and wrists and is generally found among manual workers. Also those who work for long hours in postures which are not ergonomically correct may put additional pressure on their shoulders and upper limbs, and these may add up to causing pain in the lower arm or numbness of the wrists.
What should you do to prevent this syndrome from attacking you? Well, the common sense answer is take frequent breaks from work which involves repetitive use of fingers and wrists ? such as pounding away for hours at the computer keyboard. These days certain programs such as Workrave and Xwrists are available which prompt the users to take a break and rest their wrists!
The other available means of treatment include use of braces which immobilize the wrists. However, doctors these days prefer physiotherapy over braces and in many cases, a physiotherapist is able to help treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome .
For temporary relief, steroid injections can also be administered in the wrists, but if the pain refuses to go away and becomes progressively more and more unbearable, medication and surgery are the only options left. Use of anti-inflammatory injections such as cortisone is popular among doctors.
The surgical option basically cuts the transverse carpal ligament into two parts. This ligament is a very large one stretching right from the base of the thumb to the base of the little finger. This also forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. So, when the orthopaedic surgeon cuts it into two, it is no longer able to exert pressure on the median nerve and the patient gets permanent relief.
If the pain persists or gets more acute after you have scrupulously followed the above steps, then it is time to meet your doctor who will surely try to bail you out of your difficulties.
Both Kevin Pederson & Brain are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kevin Pederson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Nutrition, Fibromyalgia and Yoga Practice. Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which gives information on This is mainly caused due to e. Kevin Pederson's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.
Brain has sinced written about articles on various topics from Depression Cure, Pregnancy Problems and Abortion. Read out . Also check out for an. Brain's top article generates over 301000 views. to your Favourites.
