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carpal tunnel

Top 5 Facts You Need to Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

by allurewellness February 3, 2017

written by allurewellness

The weakening of the hand and that of the middle finger and thumb can be attributed to a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve that passes along the carpal tunnel becomes compressed.

In essence, the carpal tunnel serves as a passageway of sorts for the tendons and ligaments of the hand.

The median nerve extends from the forearm to the thumb’s base.

When the median nerve becomes compressed due to the irritation or inflammation of the tendons or the ligaments, symptoms like swelling, numbness, loss of feeling, and pain will manifest.

When left unattended and untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can get worse and might require carpal tunnel syndrome surgery to fix.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is considered one of the most common nerve disorders today especially now that people are spending more and more time in front of their computers.

Older people are also more likely to develop the condition as opposed to their younger counterparts. The condition is also more common in females than in males.

Since numbness of the fingers is often one of the primary symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, many people end up mistaking it for other hand disorders.

To ensure proper diagnosis is made, visiting the doctor would be recommended especially if the symptoms have been manifesting for quite some time. In severe cases, carpal tunnel syndrome surgery might be required.

Facts You Need to Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

For those who are not familiar with the condition, below are 5 essential facts about carpal tunnel syndrome:

Several risk factors that can increase one’s chance of developing carpal tunnel syndrome has been identified. Some of these factors include sex (more common in women than in men), inflammatory conditions (rheumatoid arthritis), workplace factors (prolonged wrist flexing and repetitive hand movements), other medical conditions (kidney failure, menopause, obesity, thyroid problems, etc.).
Carpal tunnel has many symptoms but some of the most common manifestations of the condition include pins-and-needles sensation, tingling, numbness and pain (often gets worse when affected hand is used), pain when bending the wrist or flexing, stiffness of the fingers (this symptom is especially noticeable in the mornings). In severe cases, some of the most prevalent symptoms of the condition can include numbness, weakness of the hand, fingers, or thumb, and reduced grip.
Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome will often find it hard to perform even simple movements that involve using the hands like holding utensils or brushing the hair. There is also the tendency to drop objects more often than usual. Some patients also report pinch strength loss or the ability to pinch objects using the thumb and the first finger. In some cases of the condition, atrophy of the thumb’s muscles may also occur.
While there are numerous possible causes for carpal tunnel syndrome, some of the most common are repetitive hand movements, irritated flexor tendons, and other existing medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, pregnancy, and hypothyroidism, among other things.
While mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome will not require carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, it is still imperative to have the condition checked so that proper assessment and treatment can be administered. If in case you feel certain symptoms like diminished thumb strength, tingling sensation, numbness, and pain, medical attention is necessary.

Carpal tunnel syndrome might seem harmless but it can get really bothersome without proper medical attention and treatment. To avoid carpal tunnel syndrome from escalating, visit www.bjios.sg now.

February 3, 2017 0 comment

Ways to Effectively Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

by allurewellness February 1, 2017

written by allurewellness

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

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.

February 1, 2017 0 comment

A hand and wrist condition that occurs when the median nerve is compressed is known as carpal tunnel syndrome

Body health injury

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Who Are at Risk?

by allurewellness January 31, 2017

written by allurewellness

A hand and wrist condition that occurs when the median nerve is compressed is known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Some of the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include but are not limited to pain, numbness, and weakness.

In some cases, the symptoms may also radiate to the arm affected.

Depending on the severity, treatment options available may vary.

Likely treatment approaches can include noninvasive options to carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.

Causes

While several causes have been identified, below are some of the key culprits:

Irritated flexor tendons
Wrist movements that are repetitive
Other medical conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, pregnancy, and rheumatoid arthritis

Risk Factors

Some of the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Sex

The condition is observed to be more common in women than in men.

Inflammatory Conditions

Diseases that are characterized by inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis may sometimes affect the wrist tendons and put pressure on the median nerve.

Other medical conditions

Disorders like obesity, kidney failure, menopause, obesity, and other medical conditions have also been associate with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Nerve-damaging diseases

Conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of nerve damage that may also affect the median nerve.

Workplace factors

Work or hobbies that entail repetitive or prolonged flexing of the wrist may cause pressure on the median nerve.

Essentially, carpal tunnel syndrome is often considered a work-related condition.

Individuals who are prone to developing the condition are those involved in work that requires the following:

Hand movements that are repetitive and forceful
Hand-arm vibration
Hand positions that are awkward and that lasts for long periods

Symptoms

While mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome often only affect the hand, in some cases, it can also affect the forearm

While mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome often only affect the hand, in some cases, it can also affect the forearm.

In some cases, it will sometimes spread to the shoulder.

Mild cases of the condition may manifest some of the following symptoms:

Occasional tingling
Pain
“Pins-and-needles” sensation
Numbness or pain in the hand, forearm, or wrist
Pain and numbness when the wrist is flexed
Pain and numbness when gripping an object
Finger stiffness (often especially noticeable in the mornings)
Numbness and pain that escalates when the affected hand is used

In moderate to severe cases, reduced strength and grip as well as numbness in the fingers, thumb, or hand manifest.

Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome may also find doing the following challenging:

Performing basic hand movements like combing the hair or holding a spoon. Patients will also have the tendency to drop objects accidentally.
Using the thumb for simple tasks like opening a jar or using a screwdriver. In the case of long-term carpal tunnel syndrome, atrophy of the muscles of the thumb may occur.
Pinching an object between the thumb and the first finger. This is referred to as pinch strength loss.

Symptoms of the condition are often observed in the parts of the hand that are supplied by the media nerve like middle finger, thumb, half of the ring finger, and the index finger.

While unknown to many, the median nerve will not affect the little finger.

That means in cases where symptoms affect the little finger, it would be safe to assume it is not carpal tunnel syndrome.

Treatment

Medical attention is required if the following symptoms are present:

Pain, numbness, tingling sensation, and weakness that remains after 2 weeks.
When performing even basic hand movements becomes challenging.
When there’s noticeably little or no feelings in the fingers or hand.
When pinching the thumb and the finger together is no longer feasible.
When diminished thumb strength is observed.

In most cases, mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome will respond to homecare remedies.

However, if the abovementioned alarming symptoms will become evident, getting in touch with a medical professional is recommended as you might be a likely candidate for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.

If you notice telltale indicators of carpal tunnel syndrome, visit www.bjios.sg for expert management of the condition.

January 31, 2017 0 comment

Body health injury

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery: The Essentials

by allurewellness January 19, 2017

written by allurewellness

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve situated in the wrist.

The condition is characterized by weakness, numbness, and tingling in the hand.

The median nerve together with several other tendons runs from the forearm to the hand and it passes through the carpal tunnel.

The median nerve works by controlling the feeling and movement in the thumb as well as the three fingers except the little finger.

Treatment options will be based on the severity of the condition.

Treatment alternatives can range from non-invasive remedies to carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.

Causes

The primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve.

The pressure can be the result of swelling or anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller.

The swelling can be the result of many causes including:

Hand movements that are repeated especially when the wrist is bent
Other medical conditions like hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes
Pregnancy

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling, numbness, and pain in the fingers or hands.

Some people may also experience pain in the arm, between the hand, and the elbow.

Other symptoms will also manifest in the index, middle, ring finger, and the thumb.

Oftentimes, people experience the symptoms at night.

Shaking the hand has been known to offer relief, albeit just temporary.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the condition, the doctor would most likely ask if you have other health issues like arthritis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism.

Patients will also likely be asked about their daily routine or recent activities.

The doctor will also check the feeling, strength, and appearance of the arms, shoulders, hands, neck, and wrists.

When needed, nerve and blood tests may be required.

Treatment

Mild cases of the condition will often respond well to home care treatments.

Home remedies can include:

Icing the wrist every 1 to 2 hours (10 to 15 minutes each time).
Regularly resting the wrist in between activities.
Refraining from doing activities that can cause numbness and pain.
Wearing a night splint to take the pressure off the median nerve.
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to minimize the pain and reduce the swelling.

Surgery

While carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is an option, it is only often considered when the symptoms have become so severe that it already affects the quality of life of the patient.

It is also the treatment option considered when the condition does not respond to noninvasive treatment alternatives.

Surgery is also considered when there is obvious loss of feeling or coordination in the hand or fingers, when sleep becomes erratic because of the pain, and when there is reduced strength in the thumb.

However, when nerve damage is seen in the nerve test result, surgery will become the most likely treatment option.

In order to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, the transverse carpal ligament is cut. This is done in order to relieve pressure exerted on the median nerve.

Two surgery approaches are often used:

Open carpal tunnel release surgery

This kind of surgery will require a longer recovery period and will leave a bigger scar compared to endoscopic surgery.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery

This type of procedure has a quicker recovery period compared to open surgery. And since the incisions are smaller, it will likely heal faster.

Typically, the recovery period will only take 3 months.

While many factors need to be taken into account before endoscopic surgery is resorted to, it is recommended that the surgeon’s experience with the procedure is also considered.

Endoscopic surgery uses very technical equipment so picking a surgeon that has done the procedure numerous times is considered ideal.

If you notice classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, please visit www.bjios.sg for proper help and guidance.

January 19, 2017 0 comment