What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition due to pressure on the median nerve which runs through the forearm and palm and supplies the impulse to the thumb muscle. This results in painful disorders such as pins and needles, numbness, weakness, tingling sensation and pain (especially at night).
The Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There are gradual and frequent development of symptoms such as numbness, tingling or burning sensations in the index and middle fingers and other fingers which often first appear at night. During daytime, tingling or pain feelings might appear when holding things such as a phone or book, holding utensils or buttoning a shirt. The forearm and upper arm can also ache. Other less obvious symptoms such as pain in the wrist pain or hand, weak grip strength and loss of manual dexterity. More severely, some might experience loss of sensations and the ability to feel hot or cold by touch.
What Are Common Causes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
In most cases, there is a combination of factors that causes carpal tunnel syndrome. Anything that makes the carpal tunnel narrow or the carpal tunnel tendons become swollen or thickened that lead to pressure on the median nerve. There are a number of contributing factors such as fractures or trauma to the wrist, injuries, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, high blood pressure or autoimmune disorders.
Furthemore, a sedentary lifestyle, obesities, smoking, and high salt intake may increase the risk. Some occupations are more likely at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive wrist movements.
Which Treatments Are Recommended To Reduce Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Treatments are prescribed based on the severities of the pain but it is recommended to manage the pain without surgery. Nonsurgical options include rest and immobilization, bracing or splinting, activity changes or nerve gliding exercises.
On top of that, remedial massage for carpal tunnel is the most non-invasive, low cost and has long term effect for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Massage therapy reduces the inflammation, pain and numbness by softening and lengthening the muscles and fascia of the neck, shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand.
References
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Healthline. Viewed 5 July 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/carpal-tunnel-syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome. BetterHealth Channel. Viewed 5 July 2020. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/carpal-tunnel-syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Viewed 5 July 2020. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-fact-sheet