Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Introduction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an increasing problem in a time of computer
keyboards and a high demand for fine-motor skills. Carpal Tunnel is caused by
the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. This nerve travels, with nine
tendons, through the carpal bones of the wrist called the 'Carpal Tunnel' to
the hand and fingers. There is limited space in this tunnel, so any inflammation
of the tissues will cause the median nerve to be compressed. At first this may
cause only minor irritation, but, over time, it may lead to nerve damage. Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome can range from moderate to severe, and can, in severe cases,
result in paralysis of the wrist. Massage is indicated for treating Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome, as it can help promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and aid in
the removal of local toxins, all of which can help alleviate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Massage is certainly preferable to the more drastic approaches of anti-inflammatory
drugs, corticosteroid injections, or surgery, which may only provide temporary
relief.
Carpal Tunnel Types and Symptoms
The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may actually be indicative
of other problems. Some are actually even more serious than Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
A visit to a medical professional is essential for anyone suffering from Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome's symptoms. Though self-treatment may be indicated for CTS,
other, related, problems may need the care of a medical professional. Arthritis,
muscles spasms, and even heart problems may be mistaken for CTS. Proper diagnosis
is the first step to getting proper treatment and avoiding more serious complications.
| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
Muscle Spasms |
Raynaud's Phenomenon |
Arthritis |
Thoratic Outlet Syndrome |
| Present in some Pregnant women due to fluid retention in
the hands. |
Caused by repetitive motions over a long period of time |
Numbness tingling or pain in one or both hands |
Inflammation of joints, pain, difficulty moving, swelling |
Caused by compression of nerves and blood vessels running
down the neck and into the arm |
| Symptoms include pain numbness, and movement problems especially
in the thumb area. |
Can be caused by typing or other activities involving the
hands and wrist |
Brought on by cold or stress |
Loss of appetite, fever, loss of energy, anemia, can affect
other parts of the body |
Compression occurs at first rib in front of shoulder |
| Caused by the swelling of the tendons in the wrist compressing
the median nerve symptoms are usually worse at night |
May be indicated by numbness of thumb and first two fingers |
Treated with warmth or medications to open the blood vessels. |
Arthritic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis gout
and Osteoarthritis may mimic but not actually be treatable as CTS |
May be cause by injury or chronic slouching |
| Treatments suggested include frequent massage use of splints
wrist braces and anything to relieve pressure on the wrist tendons |
Deep muscle massage proper stretching of the muscles and
therapy are indicated |
Sufferers are prone to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and there
may be a connection between the two ailments |
Involves the inflammation of the lining of joints and/or
internal organs |
Though symptoms mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatments
for CTS are useless for Thoratic Outlet Syndrome making proper diagnosis
essential |
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is marked by pain and weakness in the hand
and wrist and may be extremely incapacitating. CTS has been documented as early
as the late 1800s and is caused by the compression of the median nerve, which
travels through a tunnel in the wrist through the carpal bones. The median nerve
is responsible for both touch-related sensory messages to the brain, and is
also associated with motion. Compression of the median nerve can lead to pain,
numbness, and, eventually, to loss of movement and paralysis of, specifically,
the thumb and first two fingers. Compression of the median nerve occurs when
there is swelling of the tendons of the wrist and hand. Swelling in these tendons
may be caused by retention of fluids in the hands, or rheumatoid arthritis,
but is most commonly caused by strain due to repetitive motion of the hands
and wrist.
Prevention and Treatment
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be prevented by the use of supporting
equipment such as wrist braces, and instruction on proper movement, to prevent
unnecessary strain to the tendons and ligaments of the hand and wrist. In some
cases, where Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by another ailments, prevention
may include anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. The key to
preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is to learn how to use the body in such a
way that the tendons and ligaments are not severely strained.
In serious cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome surgery may be indicated,
but this should be used as a last option only. Surgery is, at best, a temporary
solution for CTS, and puts the sufferer under the strains of recuperating from
the surgery, and the stress of the surgery itself.
As Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by inflammation, anything
that will increase circulation, help remove local toxins, and decrease inflammation
in the affected area is the key to recovery. Because all of these things are
necessary to alleviate the swelling of the tendons in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
the most highly suggested treatment for CTS is massage. Doctors also suggest
that sufferers of CTS massage the affected area themselves between regular massage
treatments. With regular massage a CTS sufferer should feel less pain within
a few weeks, and a cessation of all symptoms within a few months.