The carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by the weakness, numbness and tingling in the hand due to the pressure on the median nerve that goes through the wrist. The median nerve runs from your forearm to your palm through a narrow space called the carpal tunnel. It controls the feeling and movement in the thumb and first three fingers. Excessive use of the wrist can cause the carpal tunnel to swell thus exerting pressure on the nerve. This is known as carpel tunnel syndrome.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The swelling of carpal tunnel can be due to underlying illnesses like hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes. This problem can also be caused if the person makes the same hand movements over and over again like typing. Sometimes pregnant women also experience the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have problem with the other four fingers except the little finger than it may be a sign of CTS. The symptoms are more at night which can be relieved by stretching and exercising the hand in the initial stage.
Other causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- diabetes
- thyroid dysfunction
- fluid retention from pregnancy or menopause
- high blood pressure
- autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis
- fractures or trauma to the wrist
- positioning of the wrists when using the keyboard or mouse
- prolonged exposure to vibrations from using tools
- repetitive movement of the wrist
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms of CTS are all factored upon the median nerve since they are all dependent on the compression or pinching of the nerve: •Numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers
- Increased wrist pain
- Weakened muscles of the hand and fingers
- Burning sensation in the arm
Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are two ways to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, therapy and surgery. Surgery is usually the last resort to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatment using therapy includes:
- Splints – Thumb splints and wrists splints help in immobilizing the wrist and reducing the inflammation of the carpal tunnel. This in turn reduces the effect on the median nerve, and helping to regain senses in the fingers and the hand. They are made of durable materials with sturdy structures that stabilize the wrist completely.
- Braces – Braces are a mild combination of immobilization and compression by providing great flexibility and support to the wrist and the hand. They are made of strong yet elastic materials so that a person is free to your their wrist but there is some extent of restraint to prevent injuries or complications.
- Wrist Supports – Wrist supports are one of the most important treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome. They help in supporting the structure of the wrist and also providing a base to absorb the stress and strain exerted on the wrist. The mild compression offered by wrist supports also helps in reducing inflammation and enhancing blood circulation.
- Other Treatment Options – There are a number of other treatment options that can be clubbed with other therapies or used individually to treat or rehab carpal tunnel syndrome. Hot and cold therapy wraps, especially cryo cuffs, or braces imbued with cold therapy can be used to reduce pain and inflammation as well as reduce the stress on the median nerve. One can also use pain relieving gels or tablets to reduce pain.
Where to Buy Carpal Tunnel Products Online?
Buy night wrist splints for carpal Tunnel Syndrome to get relief from the pain and popping sensation due to the disease. We offer wrist supports form well-known makers in the industry like BSN Medical, Ergodyne, Scott Specialties, 3M and many more at attractive discounts.
Other Useful Links:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Therapeutic Exercises for CTS
FAQ's
Frequently asked questions
The median nerve runs from your forearm to your hand through a small area in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. Pressure on the median nerve can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, and other problems in the hand which result in the Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Pressure on the median nerve can come from swelling or anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller. Some of the causes are as follows:
- Illnesses such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes
- Making the same hand movements over and over, especially if the wrist is bent down (your hands lower than your wrists), or making the same wrist movements over and over like working on a computer or physical activities like hammering.
- Pregnancy
Symptoms that indicate carpal tunnel syndrome are :
- Numbness, tingling, burning, and pain—mostly in the thumb,index, middle, or ring fingers
- Occasional shock-like sensations
- Pain or tingling that may travel up the forearm toward the shoulder
- Weakness and clumsiness in the hand making it difficult to perform movements such as buttoning your clothes
- Dropping things—due to weakness, numbness, or a loss of proprioception (awareness of where your hand is in space)
These tests are best if performed in presence of a medical professional or doctor:
- Press down or tap along the median nerve at inside of your wrist to see if it causes any numbness or tingling in your fingers (Tinel sign)
- Bend and hold your wrists in a flexed position to test for numbness or tingling in your hands
- Test sensitivity in your fingertips and hands by lightly touching them with a special instrument when your eyes are closed.
- Check for weakness in the muscles around the base of your thumb
- Look for atrophy in the muscles around the base of your thumb. In severe cases, these muscles may become visibly smaller.
If diagnosed early the carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with the help of special wrist braces and night splints developed specially for carpal tunnel disorders. Additionally your healthcare provider may prescribe pain relief medications and exercises for the same. If diagnosed late, surgery is the only option to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgery may remove the pressure from the median nerve temporarily but the CTS may reoccur. Lifestyle changes are recomended to prevent the reoccurence of CTS.
