A common nerve condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome results in pain and numbness in the hands and wrists. Additionally, it may limit movement and range of motion, making it unpleasant and challenging to carry out regular chores. According to the American College of Rheumatology, 4–10 million adult Americans are affected.
Your chance of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is increased by a number of factors. There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk since some are avoidable. There are nine convenient locations in Texas where our team of pain management specialists at Specialty Care Clinics can provide carpal tunnel treatment alternatives.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused because of pressure on the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage surrounded by bones and ligaments in the palm of your hand. Pressure on the median nerve can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and arms.
Repetitive hand movements, wrist anatomy, and health problems can all contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.
RISK FACTORS AND SYMPTOMS OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Numbness and tingling:- Numbness and tingling in the fingers or hand may be apparent. Normal afflicted fingers include the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, but not the little finger. In certain fingers, you could experience something like an electric shock.
The wrist may sense the feeling before it moves up the arm. These symptoms may awaken you from sleep and frequently happen when you are holding the phone, newspaper, or steering wheel.
For trying to stop their symptoms, many people “shake out” their hands. Over time, the numb sensation could persist continuously.
Weakness:- You can feel weak in your hands and drop things. This may be due to weakness in the thumb’s pinching muscles, which is also regulated by the median nerve, or from numbness in the hand.
The pain may extend to the arm or shoulder. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common occupational injury in occupations that involve repetitive movements such as typing, packing products, cashiering, painting, or doing tasks where the hands and wrists are repetitive for long periods of time. Playing a musical instrument or enjoying a hobby such as knitting can also help in developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Your median nerve can also be compressed by the pressure of your palm. Health factors such as arthritis, gout, and diabetes may also contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Females are three times more at risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome. Factors such as hormones associated with pregnancy and menopause and a smaller carpal tunnel (where the median nerve comes in through the wrist) may contribute to the higher occurrence in women. If you smoke and develop carpal tunnel syndrome, your symptoms can become more severe.
HOW TO PREVENT CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME PAIN?
If your job involves repetitive movements that put you at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s important to take regular breaks and keep your wrists and hands aligned while you work. Place your wrists in a neutral position without bending them.
Stretching throughout the day is also a great way to reduce risk. Make a fist, then extend your hand and fingers and repeat 5 to 10 times.
Correct posture is also important to minimize the risk of wrist, neck, and back injuries and pain. If you experience pain or other symptoms such as numbness or loss of dexterity in one or both hands, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment. We offer a variety of treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome, including braces, physical therapy, and nerve blocks, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
For treating carpal tunnel syndrome visit Specialty Care Clinics.