How to know if you are suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Do your wrists, hands or fingers ache from overuse? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a very painful condition that is not always easy to recognize, but is not something that should be ignored. Recognizing the symptoms of this condition may help you seek early treatment and receive proper care before irreparable damage is done.

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers. Sometimes half of the ring finger is also affected, along with the palm of the hand and the wrist. Symptoms may get worse at night and may occasionally radiate into the arm.

As the syndrome progresses, you may notice a weakness in your grip and with your wrist. You may discover that fine motor skills like picking up small objects or other delicate tasks are more difficult. Your reflexes may be impaired.

The major cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is such repetitive motions of the hands and wrists that are required during tasks like typing, computer work and assembly line work. Performing these activities over long periods of time will result in damage to this area of the wrist. That is why it is most often seen in people who are carpenters, painters, check-out clerks, machinists and the like. Interestingly enough, women over thirty are the hardest hit. Hobbies such as knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and gardening only aggravate the condition.

Carpal tunnel syndrome most often occurs in those people who perform repetitive tasks for longer periods of time. Women over thirty are the hardest hit. Jobs that require this type of repetitive task where the syndrome often is found are computer operators, typists, assembly line workers, carpenters, painters and check-out clerks are vulnerable occupations. People who enjoy hobbies such as needlepoint, knitting, crocheting and gardening may aggravate an existing condition.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is best treated early. Consult with a doctor for a definitive diagnosis. Recommended treatment usually includes rest and modified activity initially. Wearing a wrist splint at night to keep from bending your wrist incorrectly while sleeping or during the day to provide support is also often suggested. An occupational therapist may be the best line of defense if the condition is work related. They are experts at teaching people how to modify their movements to avoid injury.

If you suspect carpal tunnel syndrome, see your doctor for a definitive diagnosis. You may first want to avoid any activity that makes the condition worse, if you can. Simple rest and modified activity is usually the first line of treatment. Wear a wrist splint during the day and especially during the night may help as well. This protects the wrist from unnecessary motion. If the condition is work related, an occupational therapist may be able to help you adjust your motions to relieve the problem.

When all else fails a surgical procedure can be performed that requires cutting the transverse carpal ligament to create more space for the median nerve. As with all surgery there is some risk and in this case the risks include infection, swelling, stiffness and nerve damage. Recovery from the surgery usually takes from 3 to 12 months but it does offer relief to some people. Others may continue to experience pain and numbness.

Surgery is reserved for severe cases. Many people get permanent relief through surgery, while others may still have some pain or numbness if the nerve has been permanently damaged. Carpal tunnel release surgery involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to allow more space for the median nerve. Recovery time may last from 3 to 12 months. Surgery has risks such as infection, stiffness, swelling and nerve damage.

If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, seek a definitive diagnosis from your doctor and begin treatment as soon as possible. This will help to diminish more severe problems down the road.

At the office, office employees can perform carpal tunnel exercises, take regular breaks from uncomfortable desks, wear splints to keep wrists straight when typing, and use correct posture and wrist position when they have to be at the computer. Wearing fingerless gloves can help keep hands from getting cold and stiff. Remember, CTS is a repetitive stress injury, so avoiding repetitive hand motions is key in easing symptoms.