Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway formed by the bones and ligaments in your wrist, and it houses the median nerve along with the tendons responsible for finger movement.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms may vary on the severity of the condition and the previous medical history of the patient. Some common symptoms include:
- Pain: The most common syndrome of CTS is pain in your hand or wrist area.
- Burning or Tingling Feeling in Fingers: A burning or tingling feeling in your fingers along with pain in your wrist is another very common symptom.
- Numbness: CTS can cause your hand and fingers to feel numb.
- Bad Sleep Quality: Most people tend to sleep with their wrists bent or curved. This can cause the median nerve to get pinched over time.
- Drop Things More Often: If you find yourself dropping things more often then normal, this could be a symptom of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
- Limited Range of Motion: If you have a hard time moving your wrist around or doing common tasks, you could have CTS.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or any other feeling in your hand or wrist, it's important to consult with a doctor or health care professional.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. If your condition is bad, you might want to consider surgery. Some common treatment methods include:
- Wrist Splint: Wearing a wrist splint at night will keep your wrist straight and overtime correct your CTS.
- Medication: Over the counter medicine (such as Ibuprofen or Aleve) will help you alleviate your pain.
- Ice Packs: Applying cold packs to the affected wrist will help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Injections: Used in the case of serious inflammation, Corticosteroid injections can be administered by a healthcare professional.
- Physical Therapy: Doing various hand and wrist exercises will help build back strength and flexibility.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Making adjustments to ensure all of your tools are not causing unneeded strain on your wrist, and maintaining a healthy weight will all help decrease the risk of CTS.
If you have any further questions about carpal tunnel syndrome,
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Frequently Asked Questions About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Can Carpal Tunnel Heal on its Own?
While it is entirely possible for CTS to heal on its own, its unlikely. It would almost be impossible to avoid motion in your wrist for a long enough time for the median nerve to be released. Without proper healing, you will continue to be vulnerable to reinjure your wrist until it gets treated properly.
What is the Typical Age for Carpal Tunnel?
CTS can affect anyone, but the most typical age group is between 40 and 70. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed than men.
What Happens if You Leave Carpal Tunnel Untreated?
If carpal tunnel syndrome goes untreated, it could lead to serious problems. You could potentially cause permanent nerve damage. It could also lead to lack of coordination and overall general weakness.
