Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Explained | Articles Twinkle

Carpal tunnel pain is experienced by many people. It is caused by the condition called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, where the median nerve is compressed in the wrist causing severe numbness of the hand. The canal between the transverse carpal ligament and the carpal (wrist) bones form the carpal tunnel.The median nerve and the nine flexor tendons of the thumb and fingers pass through this canal.

The carpal tunnel or canal is a narrow passage and when one of the nine flexor tendons becomes inflamed or swells, it results in the compression of the median nerve that is also present in the narrow canal. This compression causes the symptom that leads to the development of the condition called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

For most affected people, the main cause of carpal tunnel pain is unknown. There is the belief that the risk factors are primarily genetic. Some consider it to be a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI), which is an injury to the wrist that is caused by continuous repetitive motions. People who work as typists, who use vibration tools and machinery, those who use the computer keyboard for prolonged periods of time, are examples of group of people who can develop and experience carpal tunnel pain. Although some studies have found connections between some activities and carpal tunnel pain, the exact cause of carpal tunnel pain has not been established.

In the early stage of carpal tunnel syndrome, the main symptom is the feeling of numbness in the hand, thumb, index, middle, and part of the fourth fingers.There is also the tingling of the hand, wrist pain and ?pins and needles? feeling at night. As the condition progresses, the affected person may start feeling a burning sensation in the affected area and also cramping and weakness of the hand. Sharp shooting pains in the forearm may also be experienced.

Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome depends on the severity of the symptoms and if there is any underlying disease condition that may be causing the carpal tunnel pain. Rest, modification of activities, and the use of wrist brace and taking anti-inflammatory medications are the usual regimen done in treating the carpal tunnel pain. Other activities can also lessen the carpal tunnel pain, such as periodic resting and range of motion exercises of the wrist. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is reversible if caught early. If there is an underlying disease causing the carpal tunnel pain, the treatment is targeted in managing this underlying disease.

Several medications have been used in treating carpal tunnel pain. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) has been reported to relieve the pain. If numbness and pain persist, a cortisone injection into the carpal tunnel can help relieve the carpal tunnel pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be helpful in decreasing inflammation and giiving carpal tunnel pain relief.

As a result of the chronic pressure on the median nerve, the affected person can sustain a permanent damage to the involved nerve and muscle. In these chronic cases, surgery is offered to the patients.

Want to find out more about treating carpal tunnel pain, then visit Verna Yvanoff?s site on how to choose the best carpal tunnel treatment for your needs.

Source: http://articlestwinkle.com/health-fitness/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-explained

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