The hand and arm condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and other symptoms is known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Several factors are believed to contribute to the development of the condition—patterns of hand use, wrist anatomy, and underlying factors, to name a few.
Depending on the condition’s severity, treatment options can range from splints, medications, and carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.
Symptoms
Tingling or numbness
Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome often experience tingling and numbness in the fingers and hands.
In most cases, the tingling and numbness affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
There are also instances when the tingling sensation are felt in the wrist and the arm.
Weakness
People with carpal tunnel syndrome are also likely to experience hand weakness.
As a result, they tend to drop objects they are holding every now and then.
However, the tendency to drop objects can also be the result of the thumb’s pinching muscles or the hand’s numbness.
Causes
In majority of the cases, no single cause for carpal tunnel syndrome can be identified.
It is highly likely however that the development of the condition can be attributed to a combination of many risk factors.
Essentially, carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve is compressed.
The median nerve provides both nerve signals and sensation.
When irritated or compressed, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs.
For instance, a fracture in the wrist can likely irritate the nerve and may result to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Swelling and inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis may also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Prevention
Although there are no proven strategies that can hinder the onset of the condition, several ways can be employed to ensure wrist and hand stress are minimized.
Grip
Manual tasks that will require the use of force can significantly increase an individual’s risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Case in point—if one’s work involves long periods of writing, it would be wise to opt for a pen that has a soft grip adapter.
Getting a pen with a soft grip adapter can help ensure gripping the pen tightly will not be required as the person goes about the task.
Form
As much as possible, bending the wrist all the way up or down should be avoided.
A relaxed position is considered ideal.
When using the keyboard, it is recommended that the elbow is kept at elbow length or lower.
Breaks
At all times, make it a point to give your hands and wrists frequent breaks.
Gentle stretches and periodical bending are highly recommended.
Also, when performing activities that will require exerting a tremendous amount of force, taking regular breaks is even more vital.
Posture
Posture that is incorrect can compress the nerves found in the neck.
When compressed, it can affect the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Treatment
Individuals who only experience mild symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can easily and effectively minimize the discomfort and pain by applying cold packs to minimize the swelling.
Taking routine and frequent breaks and not doing activities that will worsen the condition is also beneficial.
Other likely treatment options include splinting, medications, and carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.
Noninvasive options
Nonsurgical methods are often the chosen treatment route when the condition has been detected early.
Nonsurgical methods can include:
Wrist splinting
A splint can be the ideal recourse when looking to ease tingling and numbness at night.
Nocturnal splinting is also recommended for those who are pregnant but are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) have been known to alleviate pain brought about by the condition.
However, no evidence yet as to its capability to improve the condition.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids function by decreasing inflammation and swelling.
However, corticosteroid injections have been proven more effective compared to the oral ones.
Surgery
If the condition does not respond to noninvasive treatment alternatives, surgery will be the recommended choice.
Head to www.bjios.sg to know how to spot telltale indicators of the condition and how to manage the condition accordingly.
