Signs Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Some people may not know what Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is. You also may be wondering how does one come down with Carpal Tunnel? Looking at human factors and ergonomics will help reduce the risks and may improve any symptoms that may begin.
Inside your hand, there is a small tunnel which tendons and nerves pass through to connect from the forearm to the hands and fingers. This nerve is called the Median Nerve. With repetitive movement and lack of circulation, this “tunnel” in your hand becomes constricted. Because of this the nerve begins to become constricted or pinched. The pinching of the nerve causes conditions such as numbness and tingling in the hand.
The common cause of Carpal Tunnel is inflammation of the tendons within the hand, which is triggered by repetitive usage of the hands or wrists. Repetitive Strain Injury can happen to anybody from musicians, typists, cashiers, etc. RSI comes from anything, which demands consistent grasping, twisting, and turning. It can also come from repetitive vibrations, such as using power tools.
The beginning symptoms of CTS are numbness of the hand or hands. This is usually followed by pain in the hand. It may begin to feel as if your hand is asleep. This is usually felt in the morning after sleeping. The pain could spread up into the arm and shoulders and could even spread up into the neck. This could then begin to affect a person’s ability to pick things up. If the pressure continues, the muscles may even begin to shrink.
If you have any of these conditions, be sure to consult your Human Resources Department or a manager to tell them about your problem. Also be sure to see a doctor.
Be sure to avoid repetitive hand motions such as, heavy grasping, holding vibrating tools, and watch your positioning when using the computer.
A wrist brace may decrease the symptoms and force the individual to avoid the negative repetitive motion. A brace may even help ease the numbness and pain associated with Carpal Tunnel. This helps rest the affected tissues inside the hand and wrists.
At times, a physician may prescribe an anti inflammatory drug to prevent swelling and reduce the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Sometimes aspirin or ibuprofen may help. In some studies, high doses of vitamin B 6 has shown to help decrease Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Be sure to consult a physician and don’t self diagnose yourselves.
Your physician may also suggest working with a physical therapist. The therapist may check your workstation and begin to watch everything from your wrist positioning, and will also recommend helpful exercises and other tips.
Worse case scenario, surgery may be suggested to reduce the pressure of the affected nerve. There are several surgical procedures that have been designed to help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. By releasing the pressure of the nerve, this will improve circulation and will reduce pain. If the nerve has been affected for a long period of time, the nerve usually thickens and builds scar tissue, which takes longer to heal from.