Carpal Tunnel Symptoms in The Wrist
The carpal tunnel is a channel on the palm side of the wrist. The bones of the wrist are arranged in a semi-circle, and a tough ligament (the carpal ligament) forms a roof over them, creating a passageway called the carpal tunnel.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can be felt in the hand, wrist and even up as high as the shoulder. The severity of symptoms depends on the condition of the person. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms may be only mild and felt occasionally, but in more serious cases symptoms may become constant.
In extreme cases of carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers, hand muscles may become permanently weakened and loss of feeling across the hand may occur.
Running through the carpal tunnel are the tendons that we use to bend the fingers and wrist and the median nerve. This is one of two nerves that allow feeling in the hand. The median nerve also controls some of the muscles that move the thumb.
- Tingling or pins and needles in the hands or fingers
- Loss of grip strength
- Burning sensation in the hands or wrists
- Difficulty moving wrist and fingers
- Difficulty performing small finger movement, like writing
- In severe cases, tingling, pins and needles and weakness in the arm and shoulder
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are often worse for the sufferer at night or first thing in the morning. This is because most people sleep with their wrists bent.
If you think you may be feeling the carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms you should cease the hand activities that are causing it and do some relief exercises and seek out treatment.
The Symptoms in The Wrist
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tendons and nerves running through the carpal tunnel are under too much pressure. Also, carpal tunnel condition occurs when you have repeated motions over and over which causes swelling and pain, usually in the wrist area. There are several key symptoms that should be noted to help you learn if you have this condition.
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms in the wrist are varies depending on the pain caused. For example, the pain caused by an osteoarthritis is described with the pain of a dull toothache, while tendonitis usually causes severe pain. Symptoms are worse after sleeping. The symptoms increased gradually in case of Un treat your wrist pain.
- In the night you may feel pins and needles sensation in your whole hand (wrist, palm, fingers, and thumb).
- Swollen in the fingers ( accumulates of inflammation fluids)
- Tingling sensation in the hands.
- Numbness in the wrist, hands, and fingers especially at night.
- In severe cases, there is a sudden and sharp pain in the hands.
- Redness and hot around the wrist in case of inflammation.
- Stiffness in the wrist joint.
- Discomfort in the other part of the body i.e aching in the upper arm and shoulders
- When you shake out your hand, the pain may be improved.
Depending on (bls.gov), Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most important reason for not being able to go to work
Source: https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2001/apr/wk1/art01.htm
What Does it Feel Like?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that occurs when there is too much pressure placed on the nerves and ligaments in the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome will occur in about 1 in every 100 people at some strange in their lifetime but is most popular in women between the ages of 30 and 50.
It is often caused by repetitive strain on the wrist. This is usually due to the person’s occupation, hobby or sport. Occupation is by far the most common.
Most, if not all, of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, can be prevented by stopping or reducing the activity that is causing the condition. Common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are typing, knitting, using a jackhammer, playing tennis and other work-related activities that involve heavy wrist strain or awkward wrist movements.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments
There are several options for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment. The options range from self-help to medicines and surgery. Let’s take a look each carpal tunnel syndrome treatment option individually.
1 – Self-help
There are several ways the people find relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Some people will hang their hand out of the bed at night or shake the hand for temporary relief. Mild symptoms may also be relieved by using an ice pack. You should always wrap the ice pack in a towel, the ice should never touch the skin.
Another effective Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment method is by using stretching exercises regularly. These exercises will help ease the symptoms and prevent any further development.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can reduce swelling, and so relieve pain. These should only be used for pain relief, not to treat the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
2 – Medicines
The following medicines are considered Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment and may help with pain relief and treat the problem. These include:
- Corticosteroid tablets (eg prednisolone)
- Prescription-only NSAIDs
- Steroid Injections
- Diuretic drugs (only is excessive swelling is present)
All these medicines must be prescribed by a doctor. Alternative forms of medicine like acupuncture may also help to relieve symptoms.
3 – Surgery
This is the last form of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment and is only performed in the worst cases where the symptoms continue to get worse when other treatment methods are used.
The surgery involves cutting open the Carpal Tunnel to make more room for the nerves. The operation does not take long and the person does not have to stay in the hospital overnight.
Modern operations are performed using an endoscope. This is a small telescope that allows the operating doctor to see inside the wrist. A small cut is made in the wrist and the endoscope is inserted. Using this method patients will only be left with a small scar and will be able to return to daily activities quickly.
How to choose a treatment
In most cases, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome will get better without the need for surgery or treatment. If you start to feel the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on a regular basis you should begin with self-treatment. If self-treatment does not help, consult your local doctor.
Carpal Tunnel Symptoms in The Wrist, Last Update: 7/5/2017