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All Posts Tagged: carpal tunnel syndrome causes

2018-10-08

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Symptoms and Treatment Options

In the event that you have ever felt shivering, pain, or deadness in the wrist and hand, you are undoubtedly not the only one. A standout hand and wrist condition amongst the most widely recognized in the 21stcentury is the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The condition has been reported with the excess of 8 million cases worldwide every year and this number rising relentlessly.

Numerous specialists recommend that this expansion is because of the extra measure of pressure placed on the wrists and hands because of too much smartphone and computer use. However, there are carpal tunnel syndrome treatments that are useful to lessen the pain.

It is a condition affecting the fingers, hands, and wrists. When the middle nerve that conveys messages concerning the nervous system and the hands become compressed inside the sheath that covers it, then the carpal tunnel syndrome occurs. This condition interferes with the signals sent concerning the brain to this part of the body, making the victim feel the painful symptoms that portray carpal tunnel syndrome.

Despite the fact that it isn’t known precisely why a few people develop carpal tunnel syndrome and some don’t, there are particular people who are thought to be a more serious risk. This incorporates:

  • Individuals older than 40.
  • The reason behind it is that they normally have a smaller carpal tunnel and the middle nerve will probably turn out to be compressed.
  • Individuals who have formerly endured an injury to the hand or wrist.
  • Individuals who have a job or interest that puts them at expanded danger of creating RSI (repetitive strain injury). This could incorporate individuals who invest a lot of time at a computer/laptop, handheld devices, or playing a sport, for example, tennis or golf.
  • Victims of certain chronic health conditions, similar to diabetes or an under active thyroid.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

The symptoms can differ amongst patients, and to a great extent rely upon the seriousness of the condition. Though, most patients share the most well-known aspects of the carpal tunnel, which include:

  • Slight, moderate, or exceptional pain in the fingers, hand, wrist, or forearm, or in some uncommon cases, as far up the arm as the shoulder. The distress may seem to be separated in one area or crosswise over different parts of the limb simultaneously.
  • Strange feelings in the fingers, hand, or wrist. Generally described feelings incorporate deadness, shivering, prickling, or feelings of heat or cold.
  • A decrease in strength in the affected limb. This could incorporate faintness in the grasp, in the movement or support given by the wrist, or a failure to grasp efficiently.

 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

It is recommended to cool your wrists with an icepack wrapped by a thin towel to rapidly lessen the pain and inflammation and leave it for around ten minutes. It is better to repeat the treatment hourly.

On the contrary, heat can likewise ease the pain by relaxing muscles. In order to do it, soak the hands and wrists in warm water for 12 to 15 minutes before going to bed every night. However, in any case, it causes the symptoms to worsen, don’t do this, as heat can likewise upsurge pressure in the area.

It is advised to wear a support at night. While sleeping, you might aggravate the CTS by the positions your hands move in to. This is the reason; a split mitigates pressure on the middle nerve. It’s vital to get the correct size and ensure you know how to wear it properly. It is better to approach the pharmacist or a physiotherapist for guidance. Moreover, it is beneficial wearing the split in the daytime too if your activity requires a considerable measure of hand or wrist movement.

Drills to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

It’s fundamental to take normal breaks and do stretching exercises while working on the computer or doing any activity that includes tedious hand movement. It is better to take a 15 minutes break every few hours.

It is advised to stand up, relax the shoulders and shake the arms to relax wrists and reestablish circulation.

It is advised to make a fist with each hand, hold for a couple of seconds, then open it, separating the fingers and spreading them as wide as could reasonably be conceivable. Repeat four times.

Numerous individuals find that quick wrist flicks help to ease the symptoms, particularly at night.

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2018-06-21

Is Carpel Tunnel Sysndrome a normal Condition?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a prevailing condition that causes numbness, tingling and other symptoms in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome takes place when the nerves of the hand (also known as the median nerve) are constricted and compressed as it travels through the wrist along the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel protects the median nerve and flexor tendons that bend the fingers and thumb. A carpel tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of the wrist. The carpal tunnel protects the median nerve and flexor tendons that bend the fingers and thumb.

In most patients, carpal tunnel syndrome gets worse over time, therefore an early diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Over time, the obstruction of the carpel tunnel exerts abnormal pressure on the nerves which results in pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.  The early symptoms can often be relieved with simple measures like wearing a wrist splint or avoiding certain activities. But, in case when the condition lasts too long, a surgery to take pressure off the median nerve may be recommended for some patients in order to avoid permanent damage. Carpal Tunnel rarely causes permanent nerve damage. Permanent, irreversible nerve damage is possible with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. However, Carpal tunnel syndrome usually isn’t very serious. With treatment, the pain will typically go away and you’ll have no lasting damage to your hand or wrist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually start gradually. The first symptoms often include numbness or tingling in your thumb, index and middle fingers that comes and goes. Carpal tunnel syndrome may also cause discomfort in your wrist and the palm of your hand. These symptoms often occur while holding a steering wheel, phone or newspaper. The sensation may wake you from sleep. Many people “shake out” their hands to try to get rid of the numbness, but this feeling may become constant over time.

The most common causes include:

  • Anatomic factors
  • Sex
  • Nerve-damaging conditions
  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Obesity
  • Alterations in the balance of body fluids
  • Other medical factors
  • Workplace factors

Prevention Majors:

  • Reduce your force and relax your grip
  • Take frequent breaks
  • Watch your form
  • Improve your posture
  • Change your computer mouse
  • Keep your hands warm

Visit the doctor if you you observe persistent signs and symptoms suggestive of carpal tunnel syndrome that interfere with your normal activities and sleep patterns. Permanent nerve and muscle damage can occur without treatment hence, making it more worse!

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2018-02-22

My wrist pain has committed the daily tasks challenging for me

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an ailment in which the median nerve passing through the wrist is compressed. The median nerves control some of the nerves that hold the movement of the muscles in the thumb, also the median nerve is responsible to carry information to the brain about the sensation and feeling in your thumb and fingers

When the median nerve is compressed it causes pain and soreness, sensation and deadness in the suffering hand. Women are more prone to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Though the condition can affect people of all ages, irrespective of the gender, however, it’s more common in the middle aged and elderly people

Carpal tunnel syndrome brings pain, tingling and deadness either on one side or both of your hands, it happens to develop gradually, over a course of weeks. The symptoms are usually worse in the thumb, index finger and middle fingers, however, at some point it feels like your whole hand is affected. Also, you might feel pain spreading up the arm to your shoulder or neck.

The symptoms have a propensity to be worse at night and may disturb your sleep, you could also notice it most when you wake up in the morning. Hanging your hand out of bed or shaking will often reduce pain and sensation

You may not feel pain during the day, however, certain activities such as writing, typing, or  doing households can aggravate the symptoms. In the case where nerves are severely squeezed you may endure pain throughout the day. Your hand may feel weak, and your fingers numb. You would lose grip and activities involve the use of fingers, such as writing becomes a challenge. The median nerve is very easily offended by pressure, in most cases there is no obvious cause to carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of the most reported causes include

  • Any form of arthritis in the wrist carpal tunnel
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy
  • An under active thyroid gland
  • Diabetes
  • Fracture of the wrist

Your chances of getting the Carpal tunnel Syndrome are greater if your job puts a heavy demand on your wrist, or if you are using vibrant tools. Not in all the cases the Carpal tunnel syndrome is progressive and can be healed without any treatment. If there is any particular underlying cause of your symptoms, then treatment may become necessary.

Simple treatments can often help, including:

  • A resting splint for your wrist
  • A working splint
  • Medications
  • Surgery
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – It’s Symptoms & Effective Measures

Are you involved in a work that requires constant use of your hands? Or the daily house hold chores are leading you to fatigue compelling you to opt for rest every now and then? If this is the situation, and the condition is linked directly with your hands and wrists then there are chances that you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

This syndrome is defined as a condition in which the hands and arms of the patient become numb. It is also typically said to be caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist.

What are the Symptoms?

If it is carpal tunnel syndrome that you are facing, then you will start feeling numbness or tingling in your thumb, index or middle fingers. There is quite discomfort in your wrist that prevents you from performing continuous tasks. Apart from this, the common symptoms include:

Tingling

Especially in your index, middle finger and thumb there will be numbness and tingling feeling. If not taken care of then the chronic pain may extend from your wrist to your arm. This numbness and tingling feeling is said to be a sensation that is felt when a task is performed involving the hands such as holding a box, phone or newspaper.

Weakness

This is the most highlighted sign that will help you know that have become the victim of carpal tunnel syndrome. The patients will be feeling weakness in their hands because of which they will have the tendency to drop objects from their hands and weakness while lifting some heavy object.

The Other Symptoms Include:

  • Swelling with changes in the skin color of the hand
  • Burning or prickling sensation just like the feeling of pins and needles being injected into the skin
  • Discomfort or chronic pain in the hand, forearm or upper arm
  • The hands and wrists become altogether sensitive to touch which is also known as hypoaesthesia

Here are the Effective Measures!

If below tips are followed then the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome can be controlled to a greater extent:

Keep your hands warm – Put on gloves to maintain the temperature of your hands

Relax your grip – Most people keep their force very strong while holding different objects. Try to relax your grip in order to rest your hands and wrists.

Take Frequent Breaks – From your busy routine try to take breaks that would relax your hands greatly.

If you or any of your loved one is suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or any other body pain, get a professional advice from Dr. Zaki Anwar by placing an appointment at (815) 464-7212). He is an expert anesthesiologist and certified Pain Management Specialist who has been practicing pain relief techniques for the past several years with effective results.

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