When considering what causes carpal syndrome and how is it treated, the first thing you'll need to know is that this particular condition typically causes weakness, tingling, and numbness throughout the hand, because of pressure placed on the median nerve in the wrist. Simply put, several different tendons, including the median nerve, run from the forearm, through the hand within a small space in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls both feeling and movement in your first three fingers and your thumb, but not your little finger. Here, we'll be answering the question on what causes carpal tunnel syndrome and how is it treated.
The Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Before we begin looking at what causes carpal tunnel syndrome and how is it treated, it may be worth considering the various symptoms of this condition. Usually, the situation causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand or fingers. Some people also have pain in their arms between their elbow and their hand.
Symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome often occur in the index finger, thumb, half of the ring finger, and the middle finger. If you have problems with many of your fingers but the middle finger is fine, this could be a sign that you are suffering from this particular condition.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Though it's difficult to determine which exact activities lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, it has been noted that pressure on the median nerve is the primary issue. The pressure encountered on and around the medial nerve can come from anything that forces the carpal tunnel to shrink or become smaller, such as swelling or inflammation. Swelling can be caused by a range of different conditions including:
– Various diseases and illnesses like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and more
– Pregnancy, which can sometimes cause swelling and inflammation
– Repetitive hand movements made over and over again. This is particularly problematic if your wrist is bent downwards, with your hands hanging lower than your wrists while you make the same wrist movements countless times.
Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Finally, when determining what causes carpal tunnel syndrome and how is it treated, it's worth looking at the treatment options available. Usually, milder symptoms can be treated at home with general care. For instance, you can stop activities that might be causing numbness and pain, or rest your wrist for longer periods between activities. You can also ice your wrist a couple of times an hour to reduce the swelling. Wearing a wrist splint can also help to reduce some of the pressure that's placed on the median nerve.
The sooner treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome can begin, the better your chances will be of eliminating the symptoms and stopping long-term nerve damage. You might also need to get medicine for this condition or you could face more severe health issues. Surgery is typically only an option in cases where symptoms are so bad that you are unable to work or do the activities that you normally engage in.