Hand Numbness? It can be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a form of repetitive stress injury caused by
compression of the median nerve traveling through the carpal tunnel. It‘s also
a feeling of numbness and pain in the thumb, and middle fingers,
Sometimes I feel hand numbness, (Inability or reduced ability to experience
emotion) I suspected a three reasons; first, because of tightness of my watch
in the wrist, the blood didn’t flow freely. Second, because of what I eaten,
third, because of overwork of my hand, until I heard about carpal tunnel
syndrome, the symptoms was the same of what I feel, numbness and pain in my
thumb, and middle fingers,
What is Carpal Tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow, tunnel-like structure in the wrist. The
bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by wrist (carpal) bones. The top of
the tunnel is covered by a strong band of connective tissue called the
transverse carpal ligament.
The median nerve travels from the forearm into the hand through this tunnel
in the wrist. The median nerve controls feeling in the palm side of the thumb,
index finger, and long fingers. The nerve also controls the muscles around the
base of the thumb. The tendons that bend the fingers and thumb also travel
through the carpal tunnel. These tendons are called flexor tendons.
The carpal tunnel protects the median nerve and flexor tendons that bend the
fingers and thumb. So, when there is a problem with carpal tunnel it causes
pain, tingling, in our finger and thumb and other problems in our hand because
of pressure on the median nerve in our wrist. now, it‘s called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
How Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs?
It‘s occurs when the tissues surrounding the flexor tendons in the wrist,
that called synovium, this tissues lubricates the tendons and makes it easier
to move the fingers, when this synovium has swell and put pressure on the
median nerve. Like overworking your hands, a repetitive motion tasks all day
long. The swelling of the synovium, narrows the confined space of the carpal
tunnel, and over time, crowds the nerve, this is the start of the problem.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
*Pain in the thumb, and middle fingers.
*Feeling of numbness, or while holding something, like, phone, or holding a cup
of coffee.
*A sense of weakness in your hands and a tendency to drop objects.
*Stress and Strain of constantly doing the same thing with your hands.
*Awaking you with the aggravating feeling of “pins & needles” in your
hand.
*An electric shock-like feeling mostly in the thumb, index, and long fingers
*Strange sensations and pain traveling up the arm toward the shoulder
*An aching in your wrist that can extend to your hand or forearm.
*A feeling of clumsiness or weakness can make delicate motions, like
buttoning your shirt.
This symptom initially come and go but it will become constant, if it is
work related or any activities, it may not progress if the work or activity is
stopped but if this symptom stay you need a medical attention.
However, we can prevent this carpal tunnel syndrome by doing these simple
tips.
*if you are doing some activities that involved your hand do not pressure
it, rest and relax your hand.
*Before you work try these exercises. Extend and stretch both wrists and
fingers acutely as if they are in a hand-stand position. Hold for a count of 5.
*Make a tight fist with both hands. Then bend both wrists down while keeping
the fist. Hold for a count of 5.
The exercise should be repeated 10 times. Then let your arms hang loosely at
the side and shake them for a few seconds.
*Modifying your activities. Example, if you are using computer, keyboards
and chair, height may need to be adjusted for comfortable feeling.
Sometimes we thought it normal but it not, untreated condition can cause
your nerve and muscle damaged.
There is two ways to treat this syndrome. What are they? Non Surgical and Surgical.
The treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and any underlying
disease that might be causing the symptoms.
*Initial treatment is rest, immobilization of the wrist in a splint, and
occasionally ice application.
*Taking Vitamin B6 has been reported to relieve some symptoms of carpal
tunnel syndrome.
*Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be helpful in decreasing
inflammation and reducing pain.
*Corticosteroids can be given by mouth or injected directly into the
involved wrist joint it brings rapid relief of the persistent symptoms of
carpal tunnel syndrome.
*In Surgery treatment, involves severing the band of tissue around the wrist
to reduce pressure on the median nerve. Called carpal tunnel release
There are also a several common conditions that can lead to carpal tunnel
syndrome, like, obesity, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, arthritis, diabetes,
and trauma. And repetitive work, such as uninterrupted typing.
If you feel or sense a symptom you must see your Doctor.
Sources/References: click this site for more info, search Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
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