Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
So What Is The Cost To Ride The Carpal Tunnel?
Hand function is such a great thing until it’s lost. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) robs hands of their strength and dexterity as well as causing an extreme amount of pain. Even those who don’t type all day are susceptible to the pain and dysfunction of this disorder.
CTS happens when the tendons that travel through the wrist (finger and wrist flexors) get inflamed from over/improper use and affect the median nerve. It is important to identify CTS as soon as possible and get treatment before things get ‘out of hand’.
The symptoms of CTS often go un-noticed because the problems are intermittent and seem to subside. Pain, tingling and numbness, and/or weakness in the thumb, middle, or ring finger may be indicators. Others feel a tight swollen feeling in their hands and wrists and may notice a tendency to drop objects because of grasping difficulties. Eventually, tasks such as writing and opening jars become impossible. In the early stages individuals can reverse the effects of CTS by stopping or modifying the aggravating activity.
Splinting can also be helpful especially at night. Other conservative treatments include, stretching, workspace modification, and use of NSAIDS. Physical therapists may also use other modalities such as ultrasound. They will also assess factors as far up as the neck to see if other things are contributing to the problem felt in the hand. If these measures fail, surgery is the next option.
The Carpal Tunnel is no fun ride. Get off early or you may get a stark appreciation for just how valuable those hands are.
Hand function is such a great thing until it’s lost. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) robs hands of their strength and dexterity as well as causing an extreme amount of pain. Even those who don’t type all day are susceptible to the pain and dysfunction of this disorder.
CTS happens when the tendons that travel through the wrist (finger and wrist flexors) get inflamed from over/improper use and affect the median nerve. It is important to identify CTS as soon as possible and get treatment before things get ‘out of hand’.
The symptoms of CTS often go un-noticed because the problems are intermittent and seem to subside. Pain, tingling and numbness, and/or weakness in the thumb, middle, or ring finger may be indicators. Others feel a tight swollen feeling in their hands and wrists and may notice a tendency to drop objects because of grasping difficulties. Eventually, tasks such as writing and opening jars become impossible. In the early stages individuals can reverse the effects of CTS by stopping or modifying the aggravating activity.
Splinting can also be helpful especially at night. Other conservative treatments include, stretching, workspace modification, and use of NSAIDS. Physical therapists may also use other modalities such as ultrasound. They will also assess factors as far up as the neck to see if other things are contributing to the problem felt in the hand. If these measures fail, surgery is the next option.
The Carpal Tunnel is no fun ride. Get off early or you may get a stark appreciation for just how valuable those hands are.
