So, just what is carpal tunnel syndrome? Well, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the name that is given for several symptoms that are localized in the wrist and hand. They include loss of strength in your wrist(s) and hand(s), pain, tingling, and sometimes even swelling.
The carpal tunnel is a small passage through the bones of your wrist. There are tendons, blood vessels and the median nerve that pass through this space. When all is well there is room to spare for all its contents. However, when the tendons and other tissues swell for any reason, the space is the tunnel is reduced and the nerve and other tissues are compressed.
The median nerve is responsible for the the feelings and sensations on the palm side of your hand. Specifically the palmar aspect of the thumb and first 3 fingers. The swelling and irritation of the tendons and tissues puts pressure on this nerve. This pressure on the median nerve is what causes the symptoms of CTS.
This condition has become fairly common in the United States work force. It and other repetitive strain injuries have become very costly, both in terms of lost work time and adequate medical treatment.
Many times those who suffer from CTS receive physical therapy that involves stretching and exercise. However, physical therapy does not always produce positive results. This may be due to the fact that people continue to do the same job that contributed to the carpal tunnel in the first place.
If the carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms persist, surgery has been somewhat successful. Typically a small incision is made on the palm of the hand through the ligament that forms the roof of the area. This releases the compression on the nerve but as with any surgery, there is always the potential for complication.
So, what are carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms? Usually the problems begin fairly slowly in the hand and wrist. Most people report a burning sensation or numbness and tingling. Typically the most affected spots are the thumb, index and middle fingers. At first, symptoms may happen more often at night.
Most of the people who suffer from CTS sufferers don't make a connection between what they are doing during the day that might be causing the problem. Because the problem area is at the wrist joint, people who sleep with their wrists bent may see a rapid increase in their symptoms during the night time. They usually radiate up the arm during the day time and progressively become extremely aggravating.
The main symptom that people complain of is that of weakness in the hands that gets worse over time. This weakness progresses to the point where the victims find it difficult to grasp an object, make a fist, or hold onto something small.
People who think that they may have carpal tunnel should research and understand their condition and what they themselves can do about it. Frequently, if the symptoms are not too severe, CTS can be reversed by performing exercises and learning which activities they should avoid. There are many good resources that are available that will teach people with carpal tunnel exactly how they can reduce their symptoms and sometimes cure their condition altogether.
Also, for those who have a better understanding of what carpal tunnel is are better prepared to participate with their doctor in developing a treatment program to relieve their carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
