What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a disorder that results from injury to the median nerve as it passes from the forearm into the hand through a narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. As the nerve passes through the tunnel, it is susceptible to Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) or overuse injury. If left untreated, symptoms progress to persistent pain and ache in the hand, carpal tunnel syndrome that can extend to the elbow and shoulder.

Often, the earliest sign of CTS is failure to feel textures or touch. CTS can eventually lead to the inability to grip things firmly and to significant weakness and wasting of the muscles of the hand controlled by the median nerve.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Many people think CTS came in with the computer keyboard. In fact, injuries to the carpal tunnel and other major nerve passages have been around for a long time, but with so many fingers tapping away at computer keyboards, the problem is more widespread than ever.
Whether the causes are systemic or the result of repetitive stress, most injuries to the carpal tunnel are easily prevented and entirely correctable if recognized early. Failure of the patient to stop or change the activity that brings on the discomfort can result in permanent, irreversible damage to the nerves and muscles in the hand, wrist or other parts of the body.

Symptoms

A tingling or numb feeling in the hand, usually just in the thumb and first three fingers.
Shooting pains in the wrist or forearm, and sometimes extending to the shoulder, neck and chest, or foot.
Difficulty clenching the fist or grasping small objects.

Prevention
The natural position of the hand in most normal activities is straight or slightly bent at the wrist, with the thumb more or less in line with the forearm. Bending the hand forward or backward at the wrist for extended periods stresses the carpal nerves. So, learn to keep your wrist and hand as straight as possible as you work.
If your job calls for repetitive hand or finger work, take breaks and exercise your hands and wrists every hour. If you work at an office keyboard, use a wrist support to help prevent unnatural bending and make sure your desk and chair height are in keeping with your stature. Finally, if carpal tunnel symptoms begin, don’t work through the pain. Get a professional diagnosis and follow recommendations.

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