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All Posts Tagged: carpal tunnel

carpal-tunnel-syndrome

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, the common reasons of pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The disorder happens when one of the main nerves to the hand (the middle nerve) is pressed or compressed as it goes through the wrist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome gets worse after some time in many individuals, so it is recommended to get early carpal tunnel syndrome diagnoses and carpal tunnel syndrome treatment. Initial symptoms can frequently be dealt with self-treatments such as wearing a wrist splint or avoiding specific actions.

On the off chance that pressure on the middle nerve proceeds, in any case, it can drive towards nerve damage and worsening indications. In order to avoid enduring damage, surgery may be recommended to take pressure off the middle nerve in some cases.

Non-Surgical Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments

At the beginning of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms, it is strongly recommended to treat as early as possible.

To start with, take regular breaks in order to rest the hands. It is best to stay away from actions that work in a way to worsen the symptoms side by side applying cold packs to decrease swelling likewise may help.

Further treatment alternatives incorporate wrist splinting and medications. However, splinting and other traditional medications are more likely to help in the event that you’ve had mild to moderate symptoms for under 10 months.

On the off chance that the condition is identified early, nonsurgical techniques may help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome, such as:

Wrist Splinting

In order to deal with nighttime symptoms of tingling and numbness, the splint can work in a way to keep the wrist still while sleeping. During pregnancy, nighttime splinting turn out to be a good choice.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), may work in a way to help ease carpal tunnel syndrome pain for the time being.

Corticosteroids

In some cases, the doctor may inject a corticosteroid, for example, cortisone to ease carpal tunnel syndrome pain. Moreover, in some cases, the doctor utilizes an ultrasound to guide these injections.

Corticosteroids work in a way to decrease inflammation and swelling, which as a result, eases pressure on the middle nerve. On the other hand, oral corticosteroids aren’t considered as viable as corticosteroid injections in this case.

On the off chance that carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis, at that point treating arthritis may decrease carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.

The Need for Surgery

In some cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may be an appropriate option on the off chance that the symptoms are extreme or don’t respond to different non-surgical treatments. The objective of carpal tunnel surgery is to diminish pressure by cutting the ligament pressing on the middle nerve.

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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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PRP: A New Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve ailment indicated by pain and weakness in the hand and weakness. It expands from problems in a nerve and in the wrist, though the exact cause is still not discovered
Platelet rich Plasma therapy is a gifted modern treatment for Carpal tunnel syndrome and other ailments such as arthritis and tennis elbow

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

As our wrists are complicated yet flexible joints that allow us to do everything, when these joints become painful our movements become restricted in a way that we cannot accept, even the smallest task as for typing or even holding a steering wheel can be extremely painful

The median nerve controls sensation and mobilization in your thumb and the first three fingers exclusive of the little pinky

Anatomy of median nerve

As other tendons and muscles the median nerve passes from your lower arm into your wrist through the cavity called the carpal tunnel, the carpal tunnels are the space underneath the muscles that links the bones where the palm and wrist meets

A disorder of the ligament can cause swelling, irritation and pushed carpal tunnel. The tissues around the median nerve to get inflamed and causes pain, pinching and increase immobility of the wrist and hand. Early symptoms can be reversible as with time the carpal tunnel syndrome becomes more rigid and causes permanent nerve damage

Carpal tunnel syndrome is more often associated with poor workplace conditions, however, other underlying causes may be associated with medical conditions such as

  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Osteoarthritis (OA)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

PRP as a Carpal Tunnel Treatment

 Platelet plasma therapy is a proven regenerative medicine that uses your own blood to heal the injuries and degenerated tissues

The procedure is carried by taking a small amount of blood from the patient’s body and processing I into a high speed centrifuge in order to multiply the growth factors and make it plasma rich. The process only takes 15 minutes to separate the growth factors from the blood and platelet rich plasma is formed

The PRP is then injected into the affected area that not only heals, but also regenerates the damaged tissues

PRP guarantees the treatment of nerve disorder or pinched nerves specifically in the case of carpal tunnel syndrome. The PRP therapy is efficient in addressing carpal tunnel syndrome even if it is 12 weeks older

Since the PRP is obtained from your own body there are the least chances of allergic reactions and non acceptance of the body. Moreover the patients are exposed to less risks, less recovery time and guaranteed result

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PRP: An improved cure for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Introduction

Carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS is a nerve disorder indicated by severe pain and feebleness in the arm or wrist. It begins from the complication in the nerve of the wrist, though the actual cause is not yet determined

Platelet rich plasma treatment is a gifted modern therapy for CTS and several other causes of joint disorders including osteoarthritis and tennis elbow

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Our wrist is complicated yet bendable joints that facilitate us to do everything, when the nerve is damaged, our actions are restricted  even if it is a slightest move

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a wrist pain originator, and is caused by stress on the median nerve in your wrist, the nerve is responsible to control the sensation and feeling in the first three fingers and thumbs however the little pinky is not linked with the median nerve

The Carpal tunnel is a cavity in your lower arm under the tendons that connects the bones of the wrist to palm

Soreness in the tendon may cause inflammation and swelling and which in turn pushes down the carpal tunnel, when the tissues around the nerve swells, it puts pressure on the median nerve thus resulting in restricted movement in the hand

Earlier nerve damage can be treated and overcome, however with time goes on nerve damage can become permanent

Recent research prose that Carpel Tunnel Syndrome are mostly caused by poor working conditions or other causes may include

  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rhuematoid arthritis

PRP as a Carpal Tunnel Treatment

Platelet-rich plasma therapy, is an approved medication technique that uses one’s own blood to treat any injury or disorder

The therapy includes taking up a small amount of blood and depositing it immediately into a rotating centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the plasma from the blood and produces it platelet rich plasma. The produced element is then injected into the place of injury, as the platelet rich plasma is full of growth factors it facilitates healing process rapidly

PRP shows guarantee in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Recent findings have shown that it is efficient in regulating median nerve injury within 12 weeks after nerve injury

As in as platelet rich plasma comes from your own blood there are the least chances of rejection or allergic reactions of the body. The PRP brings quick recovery, least risk factors and promising results

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What’s causing your hand pain?

The Carpal tunnel is a narrow space in your wrist connected with the network of median nerves and tendons.

The carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness, shivering, loss of holding ability or other complications in your hand because of strain on the median nerve in your wrist

The job of the median nerve is to control the thumb and three finger exclusive of the pinky finger

Reasons to carpal tunnel syndrome

Strain or any sort of pressure on the carpal tunnel can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. This pressure arises in the case if the carpal tunnel is narrowed because of inflammation or blockage. These can be caused by several reasons may include; pregnancy, excessive movement of the hand, arthritis or diabetes

Symptoms

The symptoms may include numbness, tingling immobility and pain in your arm and wrist. Mostly these symptoms appear in your pointing index and the ring finger, little finger will not be affected by this because it is connected to some other  nerves. The symptoms appear at night, by shaking the hand you can get relief.

Diagnosis

The syndrome can be diagnosed by taking a blood test and nerve test, moreover, physical examination including the areas around the neck hand and wrist

The physician will ask about the daily routine, the occurrence of any injury or weight lifting

Otherwise the doctor might examine your health conditions and any illness that may lead to arthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism or if you are pregnant

Treatment

Temperate symptoms may be treated by traditional methods and home remedies by;

  • Lowering the activities causing pain and numbness and resting your wrist for a long period of time during activities
  • Treating with ice pack twice in a couple of hours for ten to fifteen minutes
  • By taking pain killers and anti inflammatory drugs to decrease swelling and ease pain
  • Wearing a wrist brace during the resting position at your ankle to relax the median nerve

In case of other ailments such as arthritis, hypothyroidism, you need to take medications as well to lessen the chances of severity

Surgery can be an option but in the rare case when no other treatments are useful even after a long period of time

Prevention for reversal of carpal tunnel syndrome

You can prevent the syndrome to reverse by taking good  care of your diet, weight and health. Daily exercise will help your blood flow in regulation and makes your body more flexible and healthy. If you have any chronic ailment such as arthritis or diabetes, you must consult your physician first

  • With these techniques you can also help your hands and wrist stay healthy
  • Keep your wrist in a balanced position
  • Use your complete hand not just your fingers to hold your objects
  • While typing keeps your wrists at rest position and your hands slightly higher than your wrist

Perform yoga by relaxing your shoulders and arms at your side

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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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Here Is How You Can Cope With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!!

Have you ever faced a tingling or numbness feeling in your hands or arms? If this is the situation then don’t ignore it, perhaps you might be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are facing the below symptoms then it is a clear sign that you are facing carpal tunnel syndrome, which if not taken care of can worsen the condition.

Tingling & numbness

In your fingers, hands your thumb, index and middle fingers you will be feeling tingling and numbness. You will feel this kind of sensation while holding a steering wheel, phone, or newspaper or the time when you wake up from sleep.

Weakness

You might be feeling weakness in your hands while lifting objects or doing some tasks. This might be due to the numbness that has decreased your energies in performing even the usual tasks.

Remedies that will best treat Carpal tunnel syndrome

Let’s explore the remedies that will help alleviate the chronic pain that can occur as a result of carpal tunnel syndrome:

Lighten Up

If you are involved in the tasks that require most use of your hands like writing, typing, or using cash register then unknowingly your hands might become tired and stressed. Try to tap keys lightly, if using a pen then use a soft grip pen that would cause minimal pressure on your hands.

Take breaks from repetitive tasks

If your job involves performing repetitive tasks, then try taking breaks in between it. Performing a task repetitively will halt the blood flow; bring your hands in a stressful condition thus leading to chronic pain that is the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Bad Flexes

In order to avoid the pain or not approaching any serious condition, keep your wrists in a neutral position and avoid those activities that involve making your wrists flex in some extreme direction.

Over the Counter Medications

Pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen should be opted for as they not only help alleviate the pain as a result of carpal tunnel syndrome but also reduce the inflammation that occurs around the nerve.

Stretch Out

Irrespective of whatever task you are involved in, try to stretch out your hands and wrists which will keep your these areas in movement and thus minimize the chances of some chronic pain.

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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Here Is How To Beat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome At Work

Making the basic foundation where the median nerves and tendons are housed, carpal tunnel syndrome is said to be a narrow passageway of the ligament and bones. You might be an office goer, a typist that involves the constant use of hands, or a civil engineer involved constantly in field work might become the victims of carpal tunnel syndrome.  It is said to occur when the median nerve is pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The importance of this nerve can be understood as; the sensations felt at the palm side of your thumb and your fingers are controlled by this nerve and also the impulses in the hand that are responsible for the movement of the fingers and thumb.

It would be completely wrong if you keep on tolerating the pain and do not quit the repetitive movements that involve your hands. Keeping in consideration the untimely pain, it’s time that you take matters in your own hands and follow the below elaborated steps that would help prevent the chronic pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Your setups should be revamped

You must know about your desk ergonomics that whether your keyboard, mouse and phone are at your forearm’s length or not. Moreover, your own height should be maintained with the chair you are sitting on and your forearms with your keyboard that will help prevent the pain linked to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Prop Up

Your forearms, wrists and hands should be in straight line, as this would prevent in the nerve from being squeezed. In such a case, you must use the long pads that should be kept to rest the heels of your hands. If the hands that are kept on mouse keep on bothering you and after dedicating only a little time to work you feel pain in your palms. If this is the situation use a mouse pad that will serve as a cushion and support to provide smooth movement of your wrists.

New Keys

Make sure that your fingers do not become so much stretched while typing. If you feel that your hands are becoming stressed because of the constant work then you must think that it is about time you opt for a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard that will bring the hands and wrists in a natural position.

Height

For most, a regular mouse bothers the wrist and creates trouble while working. Hence to prevent the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome try using a vertical mouse that will make your wrist feel comfortable.

Break from Work

While you are working make sure that you take regular breaks and in those stretch your arms, your wrists as this would surely help prevent the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.

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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