The carpal tunnel syndrome is harmful for the body and typically affects adult women. Women are three times more susceptible to this disease than men. People suffering from diabetes and diseases that affect the nerves are also likely to develop the Carpal Tunney Syndrome. People working in industries such as manufacturing, sewing, and cleaning where there is a lot of physical activity are more prone to CTS too.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome develops mainly on the wrists. In CTS, the tissue swells in the region, causing pressure to build on the median nerve. This nerve is responsible for the movement of muscles in the palm, and thumb. CTS affects the ability to move your palm, thumb, and some fingers.
Symptoms of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Frequent numbness or a tingling sensation in your fingers is the first sign of CTS. People will report numbness in their fingers, even though there is no evidence of swelling on the outside. Such symptoms may appear in one or both hands during the night. Your dominant hand is more susceptible to the worst symptoms. You may wake up with a numb hand too.
If not treated immediately, the symptoms can get worse, and people might feel strange sensations on their hands during the day. The hand gradually becomes weak, and you may find it difficult to perform basic activities. In worse case scenario, you might not feel different temperatures!
Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Risk factors include:
- Genetics
- Wrist injuries
- Medical conditions that cause inflammation, fluid buildup, nerve damage such as pregnancy, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Repetitive hand or wrist motions
Treatment
You need to consult your physician immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. A common treatment for mild CTS is to keep your hand in shape with the help of a brace or splint. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs to help relieve the pain in serious conditions.
If conditions become worse then you may be required to get a corticosteroid injection to reduce swelling and inflammation. A Carpal Tunnel release surgical procedure may be recommended by your doctor upon closer examination. Depending upon the condition, you may be required to undergo an open procedure with an incision between your wrist and palm. On the other hand, an endoscopic procedure can be performed as well. Your surgeon will perform a thorough diagnosis and recommend the best way to treat the disease.
If you or any of your loved ones plan to get occupational hand therapy sessions from professionals, contact our team at Able Hands Rehab. Our team of highly qualified trainers and certified hand therapists provide a variety of treatments, from custom static splints to trigger finger therapy to our patients.
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