Hand pain can be caused by several reasons, one can be a carpal tunnel syndrome is the numbness, itchiness, weakness and other ailments in your hand as a result of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist
The median nerve and many other tendons spread from your forearm to your hand covering a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve is responsible in controlling the movement and sensation in your thumb and the first three fingers except the little pinky
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Strain on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome. The strain can arise from swelling or any such ailment that makes the carpal tunnel narrower. Several problems can cause the swelling around the carpal tunnel including;
- Ailments such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
- Repetitive movements of the hand specifically the wrist is bent, or repetitive movements of the wrists
- Pregnancy
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
The carpal tunnel syndrome can cause severe itchiness, numbness, instability and pain in the fingers or hand. Most of the people experience pain in the area between their hand and their elbow. The symptoms are mostly observed in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half way of the ring finger. If you feel pain and other problems in your fingers except the little pinky, this may be an indication that you have a carpal tunnel syndrome as the little finger is provided by different nerves. Initially the symptoms are noticed at night and are relieved by shaking the hand
Diagnosis of the carpal tunnel syndrome
The doctor will inquire if you have any medical history, such as arthritis, hypothyroidism and diabetes or if you are pregnant. The physician might ask if you have undergone any recent injury in your wrist, arm or neck. During the physical examination, the physician will monitor the strength, appearance of your neck, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. Several tests such as blood tests or nerve tests are also conducted
Home care
Minor symptoms of the carpal tunnel syndrome can be easily treated with home care treatments;
Avoid activities that cause strain on the wrists, causing numbness and pain
Treat with ice for 10 to 15 minuted
Wearing a wrist splint specifically at night, that takes pressure off your nerve.
The earlier you start the treatment the more chances of governing the symptoms and preventing the long term damage to the nerve. The carpal tunnel syndrome also needs medications or any other health condition arising from carpal tunnel syndrome