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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptom, treatment, causes

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition resulting from the compression of one of the main nerves supplying the hand as it passes through the carpal tunnel. This tunnel lies on the palm side of the wrist and is formed by the arch of the wrist bones behind and a strong band of fibrous tissue in front. Blood vessels and the tendons of the muscles that flex the fingers also pass through the carpal tunnel. Pressure in the tunnel increases if the tendons thicken or if its cavity is narrowed by injury, inflammation or any other factor.

Carpal tunnel syndrome may affect one or both wrists. It is more common in women and in people (such as keyboard operators and some musicians) whose occupations involve repeated wrist-bending. but it can also complicate ACROMEGALY, MYX-OEDEMA and pregnancy.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful progressive condition. The carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel formed by the bones and other tissues of your wrist. This tunnel protects your median nerve. In the carpal tunnel, the tendons of the fingers surround the median nerve. Swelling of the tendons reduces the space in the tunnel and squeezes the median nerve which is softer than the tendons. Pressure on this nerve can injure it. This condition is caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women than it is in men, and, though it can occur at any age, has a peak incidence around age 50. Symptoms usually start gradually, with pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day, and decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is linked to other things too. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as typing.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be brought on in susceptible individuals by an increase in pressure in the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also common during the last few months of pregnancy. Some authorities believe that a pyridoxine deficiency can also induce the symptoms. It may be caused by an injury to the wrist, such as a fracture. Or it may be caused by a disease such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disease. People with carpal tunnel syndrome experience difficulty in performing tasks such as unscrewing bottle tops, fastening buttons, or turning keys. Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome have gradually increasing symptoms over time. A common factor in developing carpal tunnel symptoms is increased hand use or activity. A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may wake up feeling the need to "shake out" the hand or wrist. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day. Many conditions can cause increased pressure within the carpal tunnel and lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome was first described with broken wrists. Fortunately, for most people who develop carpal tunnel syndrome, proper treatment usually can relieve the pain and numbness and restore normal use of the wrists and hands.

Causes of Carpal tunnel syndrome

The common causes and risk factor's of Carpal tunnel syndrome include the following:

• Compression of a key nerve in the wrist.
• An injury to the wrist, such as a fracture.
• A disease such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disease.
• People at risk include people who use computers, carpenters, grocery checkers, assembly-line workers, meat packers, musicians and mechanics.
• Recent fungal infection.
• A generalized nerve problem or pressure on the median nerve at more than one location.

Symptoms of Carpal tunnel syndrome

Symptom of Carpal tunnel syndrome include pain in the thumb, first two fingers, palm and wrist that is often worse at night; and numbness, tingling and muscle weakness in the hand. Pain and tingling may extend to the forearm. Some sign and symptoms related to Carpal tunnel syndrome are as follows:

• Weakness in one or both hands.
• More pain when you use your hand or wrist more.
• Trouble gripping objects.
• Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands.
• A constant loss of feeling in some fingers.
• Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases).
• Stiffness in your fingers when you get up in the morning.

Treatment of Carpal tunnel syndrome

It is important for people with carpal tunnel syndrome to avoid activities that involve forceful wrist-bending. Wearing wrist splints at night or having injections of Cortico Steroid Drugs into the wrist may bring temporary relief. But a simple operation to enlarge the tunnel and take pressure off the nerve provides a permanent cure. In some cases the operation can be done through an endoscope (a viewing intrument used for internal examination of body cavities and hollow organs). Here is list of the methods to treat Carpal tunnel syndrome:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers, may ease pain.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises can be helpful in people whose symptoms have abated.
• Corticosteroid injections, given into the carpal tunnel area, may provide dramatic relief of symptoms.
• Apply cold helps to lessen the pain and swelling. For example, put an ice pack on the area.
• Diuretic  tablets will help you to pass urine, and can reduce swelling caused by fluid retention in your body's tissues.
• Surgery may be necessary if the symptoms are severe and if the other measures do not provide any relief.