Learn the symptoms and preventive measures one can take to reduce the risks of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Median Nerve
The median nerve in the wrist, which controls the thumb muscles, can be damaged when it is compressed. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the result. The median nerve controls the thumb muscles as well as permitting sensation or "feeling' in the thumb, palm and the first three fingers of the hand. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, was unusual 30 or so years ago, but has become prominent in the last several years, causing pain and discomfort to many. The computer age has enhanced this condition; however, we could never do without our new technologies. For that reason, the next step is to find out how to minimize the possibility of irritating the median nerve by bad habits developed over the years, mainly in how we position our arms wrists and hands while working.
Predisposing problems for CTS
Carpal tunnel is a very small orifice, which is found below the surface of the wrist about ΒΌ of an inch. The median nerve proceeds through this opening. This nerve is susceptible to increasing pressure and can be injured by such constricting problems as:
* Pregnancy with "swelling."
* Water retention
* Compression from "bone spurs"
* Arthritis that is inflamed
* Tendinitis
CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) is linked with repetitious wrist action impairment, and associated with rapid movement of the fingers. Continuous motion of the fingers and wrists, by computer operators, and those who work in grocery stores, who use the wrist and fingers continually; as well as other occupations who work with their hands and fingers using a repetitious action. Operators of vibrating machinery like jackhammer, and electric saws, are certainly susceptible to CTS. CTS affect both adult men and women. Women are more likely to succumb to CTS than men are. Menopause, Raynaud's disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism are contingencies that predispose women to CTS.
Symptoms
Symptoms can be moderate such as, slight lack of feeling, and minor prickling of the skin, to intense pain with a debilitating deterioration of the thumb. The most usual symptom is burning, tingling and numbness in the first three fingers. You will not be aware of any affect in the little finger. The nerve stimulus for the little finger is derived from another origin rather than the carpal tunnel. The initial onset of CTS will bring about recurrent symptoms. You may feel as if your thumb has "fallen asleep" with tingling feelings as if it is beginning to "wake up." The thumb will progressively become more physically weak and will eventually be more painful as the condition deteriorates. Manifestations of CTS are noticed more at night. This may bring about a transfer of the pain to the arms and at times into the shoulders.
How to lesson the possibility of CTS
* While at work, grasp an object with entire hand and fingers for balanced support.
* Rest your arms and hands at least every one or two hours.
* Stimulate your hands by simple exercises several times each day.
* Use tools as much as possible rather than over extending your wrist.
* Set up straight in your chair. The chair needs to be adjusted so that your knees are at a comfortable right angle and your feet are conveniently flat on the floor.
* Wrists and forearms should be held straight and parallel to the floor.
* Elbows need to be bent while working.
* The screen of your computer should be approximately 2 ft. from you and just below your line of vision.
* Obtain a chair with armrests and rest the elbows, this will help to reduce the flexion of the wrists.
* A "wrist rest" pad in front of the keyboard will alleviate compression on the carpal tunnel area.
* Stretching exercises before beginning your daily tasks will warm up the muscles and improve the blood circulation.
* Strengthening exercise can be accomplished by placing a flexible band around the fingers and then open and close the fingers. The resistance will strengthen the muscles in the area of the hand and wrist.
* Avoid sodium-loaded foods that promote retention of fluids, which worsen CTS.
* Weight in excess; will bring about more pressure on the carpal tunnel. Try to maintain an ideal weight for your personal body makeup.
* Try to alternate jobs rather than performing repetitive tasks with hands and wrists, for long periods.
Testing for CTS
Electromyography or EMG is a diagnostic tool for determining CTS. This electrical transmission impulse test determines the rate of speed the impulse transference occurs, a compressed nerve, that may be swollen and inflamed will not allow a normal rate of speed but will slow the impulse.
Determining Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: At home test
* Place backs of hands together
* Fingers down
* Wrists at a sharp angle so elbows point directly out to the sides.
* Hold for a few minutes.
* If you have pain after a few minutes, it is possible that you will have CTS. Always check with your personal physician for confirming diagnosis.
