Doctors and other medical experts refer to carpal tunnel syndrome as the tingling, numbness, and weakness in your hand due to pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. Human beings have their median nerves and numerous tendons running from their forearm to their hand through a small space in their wrist referred to as the carpal tunnel. The work of the median nerve is to control your first three fingers (excluding your little finger) and the thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. And this pressure can originate from swelling or anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Some of the things that can cause this swelling are arthritis and other causes of inflammation of the wrist, alcoholism, wrist fracture, endocrine disorders (diabetes and hypothyroidism), and pregnancy.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to weakness, tingling, numbness or pain in the hand or fingers. Ideally, some patients diagnosed with this condition have complained of pain in their arm between their elbow and their hand. In most cases, symptoms associated with this syndrome always occur in the middle finger, thumb, half of the ring finger, and index finger. Also, if your little finger is okay but have problems with your other finger, this may be an indication that you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Your little finger will always be okay because, unlike other fingers, it gets its feeling from a different nerve. According to research, most patients notice the symptoms of this complication at night and medical experts advise that you shake your hand to get relief.
Examination
It’s advisable that you visit your doctor immediately after you notice the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. During the visit, your doctor will ask you if you are pregnant or have any health problems like diabetes, arthritis or hypothyroidism. He/she will also ask you if you hurt your wrist, neck or arm and what activities led to that. Finally, your doctor will examine you by checking the strength, feeling, and appearance of your hands, wrists, shoulders, and arms. He/she may suggest tests such as nerve tests and blood tests.
Summary
Given its implications, carpal tunnel syndrome is not something to tolerate. It makes you weak, numb, and unable to carry out your day to day activities. As such, it’s recommended that you visit your doctor as fast as possible to curb this complication.
References
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-topic-overview
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/carpal_tunnel_syndrome/article_em.htm
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00005
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