Kessel Wellness Center
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(212) 683-6666 • lkesselfb@gmail.com
Contact Us Today!
(212) 683-6666 • lkesselfb@gmail.com
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What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition of the wrist which causes swelling or change in the correct position of the bones of the wrist. Swelling and change in position of the fibrous tissue that supports the joints of the wrist squeezes the median nerve. This nerve passes through the carpal tunnel and is needed to receive sensations from the thumb, the index fingers and the middle fingers of the hand.
The most noticeable symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome is the noticeable feeling of numbness and tingling of the hand which is distributed by the median nerve. Thus, there are tingling sensations on the thumb, the middle and the index fingers of the hand which are often more pronounced in the evening causing sleep disturbance and even insomnia. At night, the wrists are mostly in a flexed-wrist position which makes carpal tunnel syndrome worse; fluid can accumulate on the area when a person is also lying flat at night to sleep. Symptoms of this condition can progress to a burning sensation, weakness and cramps of the affected hand. Pain may also be felt gradually when the condition worsens; pain is described as nagging to sharp shooting type. Due to pain and weakness, the affected hand may lose strength and grip causing objects being dropped. Muscle wasting of the affected hand can also result.
The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown but it is associated with any condition that exerts pressure on the median nerve of the wrist. There are several health conditions that contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome like pregnancy, obesity, arthritis, diabetes and hormone disorders. Direct trauma to the hand which causes inflammation and pressure on the median nerve may also lead to this condition.
Studies have also shown that tendon inflammation which results from repetitive work can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome like uninterrupted typing and other repetitive hand movements. Rare diseases that cause substances to accumulate and deposit in the areas around the median nerve or in and around the carpal tunnel can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Diagnosis of this condition of the hand is done by a medical professional. The degree and distribution of numbness of the fingers of the affected hand is assessed through a series of tests. Reflexes and pulses may be performed on the wrist as well as areas like the neck, shoulder and the elbow are also done. Treatments on the other hand, are resting and immobilization of the affected hand in a splint. Applying ice can also help reduce any pain and inflammation. After the initial days of treatment, measures to be done to reduce carpal tunnel syndrome must be enforced. Using ergonomic keyboards and elevating the computer keyboard can significantly prevent this condition from reoccurring. Exercises to strengthen the muscles of the wrist may also help.
Reducing weight for obese people can help alleviate pain from carpal tunnel syndrome. There are also vitamin supplements that can reduce the symptoms of this condition plus can help strengthen the nerves and muscles of the wrist.
The most noticeable symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome is the noticeable feeling of numbness and tingling of the hand which is distributed by the median nerve. Thus, there are tingling sensations on the thumb, the middle and the index fingers of the hand which are often more pronounced in the evening causing sleep disturbance and even insomnia. At night, the wrists are mostly in a flexed-wrist position which makes carpal tunnel syndrome worse; fluid can accumulate on the area when a person is also lying flat at night to sleep. Symptoms of this condition can progress to a burning sensation, weakness and cramps of the affected hand. Pain may also be felt gradually when the condition worsens; pain is described as nagging to sharp shooting type. Due to pain and weakness, the affected hand may lose strength and grip causing objects being dropped. Muscle wasting of the affected hand can also result.
The cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown but it is associated with any condition that exerts pressure on the median nerve of the wrist. There are several health conditions that contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome like pregnancy, obesity, arthritis, diabetes and hormone disorders. Direct trauma to the hand which causes inflammation and pressure on the median nerve may also lead to this condition.
Studies have also shown that tendon inflammation which results from repetitive work can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome like uninterrupted typing and other repetitive hand movements. Rare diseases that cause substances to accumulate and deposit in the areas around the median nerve or in and around the carpal tunnel can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Diagnosis of this condition of the hand is done by a medical professional. The degree and distribution of numbness of the fingers of the affected hand is assessed through a series of tests. Reflexes and pulses may be performed on the wrist as well as areas like the neck, shoulder and the elbow are also done. Treatments on the other hand, are resting and immobilization of the affected hand in a splint. Applying ice can also help reduce any pain and inflammation. After the initial days of treatment, measures to be done to reduce carpal tunnel syndrome must be enforced. Using ergonomic keyboards and elevating the computer keyboard can significantly prevent this condition from reoccurring. Exercises to strengthen the muscles of the wrist may also help.
Reducing weight for obese people can help alleviate pain from carpal tunnel syndrome. There are also vitamin supplements that can reduce the symptoms of this condition plus can help strengthen the nerves and muscles of the wrist.