Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is known as the compression of the median nerve as it passes into the hand. The median nerve is found on the palm side of the hand (this is also referred to as the carpal tunnel). The median nerve gives the sensation to some parts of the hand such as the thumb, index finger, long finger and part of the ring finger. It provides the impulse to the muscle that goes to the thumb. The occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome can be seen in one or the two hands.

Swelling within your wrist leads to the compression in carpal tunnel syndrome. This can result in numbness, weakness, and tingling on the side of your hand close to the thumb.

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects between 3 and 6% of adults in the United States. Usually, it develops between 45 and 64 years and its frequency increases with age. It is more common in women than in men.

What are the Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel syndrome occurs as a result of pressure on the median nerve.

The median nerve gives feeling to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, with the exception of the little finger. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscle around the base of the thumb (motor function).

Anything that results in squeezing or irritation of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. A fracture to the wrist can make the carpal tunnel to be narrowed and irritate the nerves as well as swelling and inflammation that arise from rheumatoid arthritis. In many cases, there is no basic cause. It can occur as a result of the combination of risk factors which can contribute to the development of the disease.

Risk Factors

There are many factors which are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Although they may not be directly linked to carpal tunnel syndrome, they can increase the chances of developing or worsening median nerve damage. Some of the factors are listed below:

1. Gender. Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually more common in women and this is can be because the carpal tunnel area is relatively smaller in women than in men.

2. Nerve disorders. There are some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, they have been found to increase the risk of nerve damage, including damage to the median nerve.

3. Inflammatory conditions. Inflammatory illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis can affect the lining which surrounds the tendon in the wrist and exerts pressure on the median nerve.

4. Obesity. Obesity is an important risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome.

5. Other medical conditions. There are some certain conditions, such as menopause, obesity, thyroid disorder and kidney failure, which can increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome occur as a result of the compressed median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Individuals with this condition can experience the following:

• Numbness in two or more fingers.
• Pain that can extend into the elbows.
• It will be difficult to identify the difference between hot and cold.
• Difficulty gripping small objects.
• Fingers feeling swollen.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Recommended

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your wrist. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your wrist to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.

Products recommended for swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:

Ice Substitute Poultice

Bruise Relief Liniment

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil

Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:

Pain Relief Liniment

Tendon and Ligament Poultice

Muscle Therapy Massage Oil