So which activities cause such hand stresses? You can perform slow and forceful hand motions (like lifting weights). As discussed below, this is the root cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. When your hands are strained, the tendons react and cause the area to inflame and swell. Perhaps the most often-cited risk factor is performing stressful hand activities. Having certain chronic diseases (like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus).Having a family history of the disorder.These are called "risk factors" and include: However, we do know that certain conditions favor your getting this disorder. The best way to avoid recurrence is to modify the behaviors that caused the CTS.The primary risk factors for getting carpal tunnel syndrome are not well understood by medical science. Surgery for CTS is successful 95% of the time. Treatment can include stretching exercises, immobilizing the wrist, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin B6, cortisone injections, ice, modifying activities, and the extreme, surgery. Blood tests may be performed to rule out other conditions. If a person has CTS, the speed of the impulse will decrease as it passes through the carpal tunnel. The physician will determine whether the nerves in the upper arm and forearm are carrying the message normally and whether if he message gets to the wrist and is slowed down or reduced in intensity. The time it takes for that electrical message to reach a point in the hand is then carefully measured by the physician. An electrical stimulation will be sent down the nerve from various points in your upper arm and forearm. Nerve conduction studies measure electrical impulse speeds traveling through the nerve. Physicians use nerve conduction studies (NCSs) and needle EMG to diagnose CTS. This may produce tingling or numbness in the fingers. The physician will bend your wrist fully forward and then hold it in that position for a period of time. The physician will gently tap on the front of the wrist, which may cause tingling or pain in the hand. A Tinel's test might be used by your physician. Physical examinations can show evidence of CTS. With progression of the carpal tunnel syndrome there can be decreased sensation in the hand, muscle atrophy in the palm, and decreased hand strength and function.ĬTS can be diagnosed in a variety of ways. Other symptoms can be the tendency to drop things, difficulty manipulating small objects, and a burning sensation. It is typically relieved by shaking the hand. This is typically worse at night and can awaken one from sleep. Common symptoms include numbness and pain in the hand. Certain conditions like diabetes, pregnancy, and obesity can predispose somebody to CTS. The most common cause of CTS is repetitive motion. It can be due to work, lifestyle, health, injuries, and even genetic predisposition. Therefore, when it inflames, the median nerve is constricted and does not allow blood to flow through the hand to the fingers.Ĭarpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can be a result of many different things. The carpal tunnel does not allow for movement or growth of the nerve. The median nerve can become compromised from inflammation under this tunnel, which leads to carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve runs down the forearm through the tunnel and into the hand on the palm side of the hand and provides feeling to the hand and fingers. The carpal tunnel is a small tunnel made of bones and ligaments in the wrist.
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