Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms

1. Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
2. Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects or perform certain manual tasks.
3. Pain or discomfort in the hand and wrist region, which may radiate up the forearm or even to the shoulder.
4. Sensation of swelling in the fingers, even though there is no actual swelling.

These symptoms are typically worse at night and can disrupt sleep. They may also be aggravated by activities that involve repetitive hand or wrist movements, such as typing, sewing, or using tools.

Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by a variety of factors, including repetitive hand movements, wrist injuries, certain underlying health conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes), hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy or menopause), and anatomical factors (such as a smaller carpal tunnel or a bone spur).

Diagnosis

1. Resting the hand and avoiding activities that worsen
2. Wearing a wrist splint to keep the wrist in a neutral position and relieve pressure on the median nerve.
3. Applying cold packs or taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Doing hand exercises and stretches to improve flexibility and strength.
5. Modifying workstations and ergonomics to reduce strain on the wrists.
6. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be recommended to alleviate symptoms.

What to do?

Early diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome can help prevent the condition from worsening and potentially causing permanent nerve damage. If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, it is advisable to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.