Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

About ten months ago I began having pains in my wrists. I first noticed them when I went to push open a door, it wasn't a heavy door but it hurt my hand. I was somewhat concerned and went to see my doctor. I was first diagnosed with wrist strain but the insurance company wouldn't approve my claim and I wasn't able to get the therapy I needed. Now, ten months later, after three appeals I have finally been granted a claim and I have started setting appointments. On my first appointment in January, a new doctor advised that my symptoms seem to indicate carpal tunnel syndrome. So now, as I prepare to embark on an endless journey of medical tests and waiting for results, I decided that I should do a little research to find out what exactly carpal tunnel is.

What is a carpal tunnel and carpal tunnel syndrome?

There is a band of fibrous tissue that functions as support for the wrist joint. The carpal tunnel is the small opening in your wrist between the wrist bone and the fibrous band. The tendons, ligaments, and your median nerve pass through your carpal tunnel. The area is very small and carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that is caused by pressure on the median nerve due to inflammation in the ligaments tendons and surrounding tissues. The median nerve is responsible for sending thee sensations felt by your fingers up to your brain. Any swelling or change in position of the tissues inside the carpal tunnel can squeeze the median nerve and cause tingling, numbness and pain in the wrist, hand, and forearm.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Many activities and lifestyles can contribute to developing carpal tunnel. Common contributors include arthritis, obesity, hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, diabetes, and injury to the wrist. Repetitive work can also cause inflammation of the tendons. For example typing and working on the computer all day or any task that requires you to pinch or grip for long periods of time. Any inflammation in the carpal tunnel can result in an increase in pressure on the median nerve and the tendons in your hand. This pressure causes the pain, tingling, and numbness in the wrist, hand, and forearm.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel?

Most symptoms start very gradually and can include frequent tingling, itching numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers, and burning. Most people experience these feelings at night but as symptoms get worse the symptoms may be felt during the day. Some more serious symptoms include the feeling that they have swollen fingers or an inability to squeeze or grip as well as occasional sharp pains in the forearm. With proper treatment early on the problems can be reversed. With out treatment the problem can become much worse and can lead to the deterioration of the muscles at the base of the thumb.

How do you treat carpal tunnel?

Initial treatment will begin with a doctor's order to rest the affected wrist or wrists. The doctor may also ask you to change your habits during work or to wear splint while performing repetitive tasks. Icing, massaging and stretching the risks can also help in reducing the inflammation in the carpal tunnel. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to ease symptoms. Stretching exercises may be used as well as the practice of yoga, which has shown to ease pain and improve grip. If the carpal tunnel syndrome is too far advanced surgery may be the only solution. During the surgery the doctor will cut the carpal ligament and enlarge the carpal tunnel. Symptoms usually clear up immediately although it can take months to fully recover the use of your hands. Physical therapy along with following the doctor's instructions for at home exercise are crucial during the healing period to ensure regaining full use of your hands. Reoccurrence is rare after surgery.

How can carpel tunnel be prevented?

On the job taking frequent rest breaks to stretch as well as wearing splints can help. Have specially designed ergonomically correct workstation and tools is also crucial. Employers are looking at ways to reduce the risk of carpal tunnel among their employees because of the high costs associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. It can be costly to get treated as well as the loss in productivity when a worker is out on rest.

Over eight million people are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome each and every year. In the workplace it makes up over 48% of workers compensation claims. It's easy to take your hands for granted while they're working. I know I did. Now simple tasks such as typing, cleaning, and pushing open doors cause pain ranging from a slight discomfort to so bad I have to stop what I'm doing to rest. Hopefully as I move forward in treatment I am able to reverse the effects and be declared rehabilitated. Knowing more about my condition helps me understand what's going on with my hands and it gives me a little piece of mind knowing it can be corrected.