Whether you’re an avid gamer, you spend a lot of time typing away on a keyboard or you do a lot of sewing, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is incredibly common. CTS occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve in your wrist, and it can cause pain, weakness, and numbness in your hands and fingers. For some, it can even affect the entire arm. If left untreated, CTS can be very debilitating and may lead to surgery. Here is a short guide to carpal tunnel syndrome and ways to treat it.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Your wrist features a median nerve that runs from the wrist to the front of the forearm. The carpal tunnel helps protect this nerve, as well as the tendons in this area. When excess pressure is placed on this tunnel, it narrows and places pressure on the median nerve. Due to injury or various health conditions, the tendons and nerves in the tunnel can also swell up and compress the nerve. As a result, compression on the nerve can result in weakness, pain, and numbness in the wrist, hands, and fingers. These negative symptoms can extend into the forearm.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
CTS is more prevalent in females, and you are most at risk if you are pregnant, healthy, have close family members with CTS, or have injured your wrist in the past. Those with certain illnesses, such as diabetes and arthritis, are also more prone to CTS. Additionally, those with jobs that require overloading the wrists and fingers frequently are also more likely to develop CTS. For example, workers who use vibrating tools and need to bend their wrists or grip an item hard are more at risk.
Natural Treatments
In the starting, symptoms may appear gradually before worsening as time goes on. However, for some, CTS can get better without treatment. For example, some people only develop CTS during pregnancy. Although surgery is used to get rid of CTS, there are natural ways to eliminate this condition, too.
Use Wrist Supports and Perform Hand Exercises
Wrist Supports, such as a wrist splint, are a great way to keep the wrist straight and relieve pressure on the median nerve. They can be worn at any time of the day and can be used for other conditions, such as hypermobility, osteoarthritis, and ganglion.
Those with mind symptoms of CTS might gain some benefit from performing certain hand exercises and stretches.
Identify the Problem and Reduce the Activities That Cause it.
An efficient way to treat CTS is by identifying the cause of the problem and reducing the things that cause it. For instance, those who have begun playing an instrument may find that bending the wrists in a certain way and gripping hard creates symptoms of CTS. Reducing the amount of time you practice can help relieve the symptoms.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can come and go throughout the day, but they usually worsen at night. Symptoms can include a tingling feeling in the fingers, numb hands, an ache or pain in the fingers, hands, or arm, and difficulty gripping items. Those with carpal tunnel syndrome may also experience a weak thumb.
Are surgical Treatments available to cure CTS?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can significantly impact daily life, but various surgical options exist to alleviate symptoms and restore functionality. Let’s explore the surgical treatments available:
- Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: This common procedure involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. It can be done through traditional open surgery or endoscopically for a minimally invasive approach.
- Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: In this advanced technique, a small incision is made, and an endoscope is used to guide the surgeon in cutting the ligament. This method often results in a quicker recovery and less scarring.
- Mini-Open Carpal Tunnel Release: Combining aspects of both traditional and endoscopic approaches, this procedure involves a smaller incision than traditional surgery but allows for direct visualization of the carpal ligament.
- Wrist Arthroscopy: Occasionally, wrist arthroscopy may be employed to assess and treat additional issues contributing to CTS, such as arthritis or joint inflammation.
Surgical treatment aims to create more space within the carpal tunnel, relieving pressure on the median nerve and reducing symptoms like pain and numbness. Consultation with a healthcare professional can determine the most suitable surgical option based on individual circumstances and preferences.
What are the Risks of Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Opting for surgery to address carpal tunnel syndrome is a viable option, but it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks. Let’s shed light on these considerations:
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there’s a minimal risk of infection at the incision site. However, this is relatively uncommon.
- Nerve Damage: While rare, there’s a slight chance of nerve damage during surgery, which can lead to temporary or, in rare cases, persistent symptoms.
- Incomplete Relief: Surgery aims to alleviate symptoms, but there’s no guarantee of complete relief. Some individuals may experience residual discomfort or limited improvement.
- Scarring and Tenderness: Post-surgery, scarring may occur, causing mild tenderness or discomfort. This is usually temporary but can vary from person to person.
- Allergic Reactions: Though uncommon, reactions to anesthesia or other medications used during the procedure can occur.
It’s essential to discuss these potential risks with your surgeon, weighing them against the benefits of surgery. Most people experience improvement post-surgery, but being informed allows for better decision-making regarding the management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your specific situation.
