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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Basics
from: Amanda BakerDid you know that one in every one hundred people is affected by
what is known as carpal tunnel syndrome at some point in their
life? While commonly found in women in the thirty to fifty-year
age range, carpal tunnel syndrome can affect nearly anyone, from
assembly line workers, to surgeons and dentists, to secretaries
and computer data entry personnel, to even those who play
musical instruments or video games.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very painful and progressive
condition that occurs in the wrist, caused by compression to the
median nerve. The median nerve runs into the hand starting from
the forearm, and when it is squeezed or pressed at the wrist,
the message carrying and receiving from the brain is inhibited.
The name carpal tunnel syndrome, however, comes from the eight
bones in our wrists that are known as carpals. They form a
tunnel-like structure, hence the term "carpal tunnel syndrome."
Compression of the tunnel walls is the most basic of causes of
carpal tunnel syndrome.
Other factors, such as congential predispostion and even trauma
based injury can also be to blame. Carpal tunnel syndrome can
develop quickly, especially if the wrist has been fractured or
injured or rheumatoid arthritis has set in. In many cases,
repetitve stress induced carpal tunnel strain can cause the
syndrome, especially in those who spend a great deal of time
typing.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel can include tingling, numbness, and
burning in the fingers, as well as the inability to make a fist
or grip things. A person eventually loses the ability to squeeze
things and may even find it hard to tie their shoes. In the most
extreme cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, the patients are unable
to determine hot or cold by touch.
Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is available. Most
physicians will advise against repetitive and exhaustive
activities related to hand movement. Stretching exercises and
medicines like corticosteroids can help in relieving the
syndrome. However, if the condition worsens, surgery may be the
only available course of treatment.
If you feel as though you may be suffering from carpal tunnel
syndrome, you should consult your physician immediately to
discuss symptoms and treatment options.
About the author:
Amanda Baker writes for http://tobeinformed.com - A website for
health, fitness and wellness information.
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