Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, or ring fingers
- Hand weakness or clumsiness
- Pain or burning sensation in the wrist or forearm
- Symptoms worsening at night or with repetitive hand use
- Difficulty gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks
Causes
- Repetitive hand or wrist movements (e.g., typing, assembly line work)
- Wrist injuries or fractures
- Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
- Medical conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism
- Anatomical factors like a smaller carpal tunnel
Treatments
- Wrist splinting, especially at night
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Physical therapy and stretching exercises
- Surgical intervention (carpal tunnel release) in severe cases
Prevention
- Maintain proper wrist posture during activities
- Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks
- Perform hand and wrist stretching exercises
- Use ergonomic tools and workstations
- Manage underlying health conditions effectively