Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Basics

Did you know that one in every one hundred peopleif the wrist has been fractured or injured or
is affected by what is known as carpal tunnelrheumatoid arthritis has set in. In many cases,
syndrome at some point in their life? While commonlyrepetitve stress induced carpal tunnel strain can
found in women in the thirty to fifty-year age range,cause the syndrome, especially in those who spend a
carpal tunnel syndrome can affect nearly anyone,great deal of time typing.
from assembly line workers, to surgeons andSymptoms of carpal tunnel can include tingling,
dentists, to secretaries and computer data entrynumbness, and burning in the fingers, as well as the
personnel, to even those who play musicalinability to make a fist or grip things. A person
instruments or video games.eventually loses the ability to squeeze things and may
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very painful andeven find it hard to tie their shoes. In the most
progressive condition that occurs in the wrist, causedextreme cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, the
by compression to the median nerve. The medianpatients are unable to determine hot or cold by
nerve runs into the hand starting from the forearm,touch.
and when it is squeezed or pressed at the wrist, theTreatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is available.
message carrying and receiving from the brain isMost physicians will advise against repetitive and
inhibited.exhaustive activities related to hand movement.
The name carpal tunnel syndrome, however, comesStretching exercises and medicines like corticosteroids
from the eight bones in our wrists that are known ascan help in relieving the syndrome. However, if the
carpals. They form a tunnel-like structure, hence thecondition worsens, surgery may be the only available
term "carpal tunnel syndrome." Compression of thecourse of treatment.
tunnel walls is the most basic of causes of carpalIf you feel as though you may be suffering from
tunnel syndrome.carpal tunnel syndrome, you should consult your
Other factors, such as congential predispostion andphysician immediately to discuss symptoms and
even trauma based injury can also be to blame.treatment options.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can develop quickly, especially