Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Aching wrists?

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

First let’s understand: What is the meaning of carpal tunnel?

A Carpal tunnel relates to the passage formed by the carpal bones, muscles and ligaments present in the palm which acts as a connector of wrist to forearm. The tunnel contains a median nerve that passes throughout the arm; originating from the brachial plexus.  The median nerve is protected from compression or injury due to this tunnel.

What is a median nerve?

It is a nerve originating from the brachial plexus. It gives sensation and movements to the thumb and three fingers. Any damage or trouble to this nerve results in either pain, difficulty in movement or numbness or loss of sensation in the areas supplying the arm.

As the carpal tunnel is not such a big passage even a small injury can make the muscles and ligaments inflamed which in turn pinches the median nerve located in its centre.

Median Nerve pinched 

Image Source: wikimedia commons

Carpal Tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the wrist and arms due to the compression of the median nerve which supplies the neck and the upper extremities. Repetitive activities or movements of wrists and arms can cause the carpal tunnel syndrome.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Whenever the bones in the wrist and hands are injured or swell due to any reason, it can reduce the tunnel space and thus the structures of tunnel exert more pressure on the nerve. This results in the compression of the median nerve which makes the fingers and thumbs move.

What are the signs and symptoms of Carpal tunnel syndrome? 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-Signs and Symptoms:

· Pain in the wrist and hands. Pain in thumbs and fingers
·  Difficulty moving your wrists.
·  Difficulty holding things using thumb. Weaker grip.
·  Tingling, burning, prickling or numbness sensation in the affected arm. Symptoms appear more at night than day. Sometimes the person may wake up in the middle of the night.

What are the causes of Carpal tunnel Syndrome? 

In most of the cases the exact cause of the syndrome is unknown. Some of the likely causes may be:

·         Genetics and previous history

·         Arthritis

·         Wrist fractures or other injuries

·         Pregnancy

·         Smoking

·         Alcohol overuse

·         Obesity or overweight  

All these factors may be the likely reasons for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Few other risk factors may be:

·   Women are more likely to develop this disorder than men.

·    Person employed as typists, golf players, musicians or artists, masons etc. may have an extra risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome.

·    Repetitive motions of wrist and arms can damage the muscles and ligaments. People engaged in jobs involving the constant use of hands in a repetitive pattern may be at risk.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome can be done by assessing symptoms and reflex tests or a muscle study.

Image Source: Pexels.com

The symptoms are assessed by history taking and the wrists and hands are checked for warmth, redness or swelling.

The wrist is flexed and extended to check the range of motion and the reaction of the person. By tapping the inner side of wrist, a physician may ask for the type of pain or sensation felt by the patient.

In severe cases the physician may advice an Electromyography to check the conditions of the internal structures of the wrist.

Can we prevent ourselves from having Carpal tunnel syndrome?

Yes! Absolutely!Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be prevented if we follow certain precautions in our daily life. 

 

Image source: Pexels

Exercise daily. Specifically do the wrist and arm exercises so as to maintain the flexibility and strength of the muscles.

Try to lose the excess weight.

Take regular breaks in case your work involves the repeated arm movements

Rest your wrists on soft surface. Placing them on hard surfaces for too long may damage the internal structures or make them muscles rigid.

Hold as much weight as your hands and wrists can tolerate. Overexertion or overloading may damage the muscles and ligaments.

Learn the body mechanics appropriate for your work and apply it in your daily life.

Take treatment of arthritis as per doctor’s advice so as to avoid getting carpal tunnel syndrome.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated? 

Carpal tunnel syndrome may not need treatment all the time. In most cases the symptoms are mild and few home management measures help a lot in promoting the healing of the wrists.

Treatment:

So now the question arises, what is the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome? When to see a medical or health care personnel? 

The honest answer is:

It is not a serious problem and in many cases it heals in few weeks but in case the condition is extremely intolerable, see you doctor to get prompt treatment and care:

Home care tips for carpal tunnel syndrome: 

Wear a splint as ordered by the doctor. This restricts wrist movements and relaxes the muscles.

Wrist Splint/brace
Image source: wikimedia commons

Apply ice on the inflamed or swollen area. It speeds up the healing process

Continue the medications for any existing medical condition without fail.

Learn various wrist and arm postures and range of motion exercises.

Above all the main thing you need to know as a person suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome is to avoid extra strain on your wrist and arm muscles. 

Give adequate rest and care to let it heal on its own.

Note: This blog post is for educational and informational purpose only. It is not a substitute for any medical advice, consultation or treatment. Please see your doctor in any case.