To make the comprehending easier for you, carpal tunnel is basically the ‘palm’ of your hand. It is called a ‘tunnel’ because it’s a narrow passage between bones and ligaments on your palm. On this palm is located the median nerve which deals with the sensation of your hand.
You are able to feel your thumb and fingers because of the impulses this nerve provides. Now sometimes this nerve is compressed resulting in weakness, numbness, and tingling of your thumb or some part of your fingers. This situation is medically recognized as a problem, called carpal tunnel syndrome.
It could go from mild to an extreme level where you no longer can hold things in your hand and dropping them.
In this read, you will know everything important about carpal tunnel syndrome from what causes it to how can we treat it.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrom?
People basically undergo three kinds of symptoms but let us dig a little deeper now.
a) Weakness of Hand
It’s not the casual weakness where you sometimes feel pain in your hand because you cut yourself or dropped something heavier. Unlike it, this kind of weakness is constant not allowing you to hold anything for long in your hands. Your hands stop doing the function they are supposed to.
b) Tingling, Burning, and Numbness
You may also feel burning in your hand up to your elbow and it stays a bit longer. Tingling and numbness also is a part of carpal tunnel syndrome in your middle, index, or ring finger leaving out the little finger mostly. You may not be able to move your hand or arm while trying to control the steering wheel, cellphone, or a newspaper.
c) Pain
Not in all cases, but sometimes some people complain of pain in their wrists at night and it won’t let them sleep peacefully.
Who Are The Most Affected by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome targets mostly women as have a narrower passage in their palm. Doctors diagnose it in ages 30-60 mostly. Manufacturers, construction workers, typewriters, drivers, and assembly line workers are the most at risk for this syndrome.
The Danger
It is not as harmless as it seems, this syndrome can also lead you to diabetes, hypertension, thyroid dysfunction, and menopause.
How Can You Diagnose This Syndrome?
Checking yourself with the symptoms we wrote earlier can give you an idea of what you are going through. However, visiting a good physician will help you diagnose it better. The doctors can give a thorough checkup to your arms and hand and run a few tests on you.
What is The Cure of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
If your symptoms are mild to medium, there is no need for surgery for it is done only on patients with severe symptoms. The good thing about this syndrome is, you can cure it with your exercises and efforts too. The Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons in 2008 released some guidelines for the treatment of carpal tunnel.
These included tips like relaxing your grip, improving your posture, and keeping your hands warm. Other than these, they also recommended;
- Mild pain medications in case your pain is going beyond tolerance
- Avoid incorrect postures
- Changing your computer mouse so it does not strain your wrist
- Stretch your hands and twists with small and frequent breaks.
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How can You Prevent Yourself from Carper Tunnel Syndrome?
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There is a lot of prevention that medical experts recommend for this syndrome but most of them involve changing your lifestyle. Avoiding incorrect hand posture and other activities that may harm your wrists can also reduce your chances of getting it.
You should also pay attention to treating your BP, diabetic, or arthritis issues so it does no develop at all.
Other than our recommendation, you should always see a doctor get the most authentic information.