The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as the “the most common and widely known of the entrapment neuropathies, in which one of the body’s peripheral nerves is pressed on or squeezed.” According to Justin O. Sevy and his colleagues' research, CTS affects 1–3 people per 1,000 people in the United States every year. CTS is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 60, and the prevalence rises with age. The problem can affect one or both wrists. Females are also more affected than males. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) also known as median nerve entrapment or median nerve compression, is a painful condition that occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed.
According to Yvette Brazier, CTS may happen when a nerve swells, the tendons become inflamed, or something causes swelling in the carpal tunnel. Symptoms include tingling, burning, or itching, and numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index finger. Moreover, CTS can have a negative impact on a person's quality of life if not treated. The median nerve can become severely damaged over time. As a result, permanent numbness in the fingers and permanent weakness in the muscles innervated by the median nerve are possible.
How does carpal tunnel syndrome develop? According to Healthline, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by excessive pressure in the wrist and on the median nerve. Swelling can be caused by inflammation. An underlying medical condition that causes swelling in the wrist and sometimes obstructed blood flow is the most common cause of this inflammation. Diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, fluid retention from pregnancy or menopause, high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and wrist fractures or trauma are some of the most common conditions linked to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment is determined by the severity of your pain and symptoms, as well as whether or not you have any weakness. The Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons published guidelines for effective carpal tunnel treatment in 2008. The advice was to try to treat carpal tunnel syndrome without surgery if at all possible. Avoiding overextended wrist positions, wrist splints that hold your hand in a neutral position, especially at night, mild pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications, treatment of any underlying conditions you may have, such as diabetes or arthritis, and steroid injections into your carpal tunnel area to reduce inflammation are all nonsurgical options.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are two exercises that can help relieve the pain of CTS. The first exercise is to make Making a fist with the back of the hand facing down the first step. Then, slide your fingers up to the point where they're pointing straight up at the ceiling. The second exercise is to make a fist and then stretch the fingers as far as possible by opening the hand and spreading them out. It is critical to note that anyone who suspects they have CTS should not self-diagnose or attempt to treat the condition. The best way to get a proper diagnosis and the best treatment plan is to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
CTS is a common condition with gradual onset of symptoms. If left untreated, CTS can cause severe pain and numbness in the fingers, hands, and arms. CTS can be painful and interrupt your daily routine. If you've been having symptoms for a while, talk to your doctor about ways to relieve the pain and pressure. If home remedies fail, learn more about the other treatment options available to you. Corticosteroid injections or surgery may be used. The best way to avoid permanent nerve damage is to get a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas
References:
1. Carpal tunnel syndrome: What you need to know
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by Yvette Brazier — Updated on May 8, 2022
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184337
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D. — Written by The Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on March 7, 2019
https://www.healthline.com/health/carpal-tunnel-syndrome
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The Arthritis Foundation
