What first appears in the wrists as numbness, burning, and tingling while you are sleeping may be more than poor circulation. In fact, it may be a condition called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS is often mistaken as poor circulation because it has similar symptoms, but in CTS the symptoms progressively get worse and can permanently affect the use of the wrist.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and the Median Nerve
CTS is a condition where the median nerve gets compressed which leads to pain, muscle weakness, and the symptoms mentioned above. About 10 percent of the population will develop CTS at some point during their lives with women being those most afflicted with the condition. While there are many causes of Carpal Tunnel, the cause most often blamed is repetitive motion performed by factory workers, office personnel, and any other type of profession where small, repetitive motion of the hands and wrists is required.
Although repetitive motion is often blamed as being the main culprit, new studies suggest that physiology and family history play a vital role in the development of CTS. Studies even suggest that light duties associated with office work such as typing do not lead to Carpal Tunnel. Other proven causes of CTS include emotional stress and a breakdown of the physical structure of the wrist through a traumatic injury, a medical condition, or the natural aging process.
Repetitive activities that have been identified as contributors to CTS include playing video games, using power tools, playing a musical instrument, bicycling, crafting, typing, masonry and construction work. Keep in mind, though, that these activities are only known to contribute to the condition and are not believed to cause the condition without the help of other factors.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
There are numerous treatment options open to those suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. These can range from mild to extreme and can include braces, physiotherapy, ergonomics, medication and diet, and/or surgery. In many cases, treatment options are combined to create a comprehensive approach to curing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
In mild cases of Carpal Tunnel, the recommended course of treatment includes wearing braces, performing ergonomic exercises, and learning to take frequent breaks while doing any repetitive task. Exercises that relax and strengthen the muscles of the upper back have also been proven effective at preventing and alleviating the condition.
When these treatment options don’t work, surgery is often recommended. There are two major types of surgery associated with Carpal Tunnel: open and endoscopic. Endoscopic surgery is the most common procedure performed since it is less invasive and has a shorter recovery period. In cases where surgery is performed, there is a 90 percent success rate.
There are many major medical conditions that have symptoms identical to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This makes it extremely important to be diagnosed by a doctor as soon as discomfort begins as your symptoms may be due to a life-threatening condition. If you are diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel, early intervention can help. Without it your pain will continue to get worse and surgery may become necessary.
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