Carpal Tunnel - Do you have CTS?

As a condition that affects 1 in 20 Americans, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a problem for millions of people. Left untreated, serious nerve and muscle damage can occur. Know the symptoms, and seek treatment as soon as possible.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition most of us are familiar with, but don’t know much about. Most people are quick to associate it with any wrist or hand pain and discomfort. It is actually much more specific, and it is important to know the difference. Knowing the signs to look for can lead you to early treatment and a successful recovery.

So you are doing a task and trying not to give in to the stabbing pain that moves quickly up your arm. You have been aware of the tingling or numbness that you have been experiencing for a few months but figured it would go away. But, it has not gone away and more symptoms seems to be appearing. Well, more likely than not, this is carpal tunnel syndrome. And, as symptoms worsen decreased grip strength can make it difficult to grasp small objects, clench a fist or perform a manual task. Some people do not want to admit to themselves that they are experiencing this kind of difficulty. But, anyone can be at risk for carpal syndrome. Most patients report problems and seek treatment after the age of 30 years. However, if left untreated muscles at the base of the thumb can waste away and permanent damage may occur. That is why it is very important to treat this syndrome.

The exact causes are still unknown. But it is suspected that it is a multitude of factors. Some people are genetically predisposed to such things. But, there are other contributing factors such as a trauma or injury to the wrist that causes swelling. Or maybe you work with vibrating hand tools on a consistent basis. There are so many factors even fluid retention during pregnancy can contribute to developing this syndrome. It can be difficult to to pin it down to just one cause.

Whether you know the cause of your carpal tunnel or not it is very important to get it treated by a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will evaluate your wrists and hands. With initial treatment, will be recommended that you avoid such movements that are causing the pain for two weeks. And, a splint maybe applied to immobilize such movements as twisting and bending of the wrist. And, it is advisable to apply cold packs to reduce the inflammation. After such time if symptoms persist more treatment options are available.

Your doctor has a variety of surgical and nonsurgical options for treating carpal tunnel. There is medication therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs and even vitamin treatment such as vitamin B6 is effective in some cases for relieving the patient ‘s symptoms. Other non-surgical treatments are exercise therapy or even visiting a chiroprator or acupunturist to relieve some of the symptoms. But, if your case is more advanced then your doctor can perform surgery to relieve the chronic pain that is associated with this syndrome.

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