Carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS is a common problem affecting the hand. It can cause numbness, pain, and general weakness in the hand and wrist. If your favourite hobby or profession causes you to use your hands and wrists excessively or put strain on them, you are at the risk of getting CTS.
The disorder develops when the median nerve, one of the major nerves that travel through the wrist, gets squeezed or compressed. Carpal tunnel syndrome worsens with time in the majority of sufferers. If left untreated for too long, it can result in irreversible hand dysfunction, including loss of sensation in the fingers and weakening.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to protect yourself and stop the worsening of CTS. So, in this blog, I will tell you about the easy ways to prevent and treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Let’s begin!
Who is at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Although anyone can get CTS, it is most common in people with the following conditions-
- Some people are born with small carpal tunnels in their wrists, which increases their risk of developing CTS.
- CTS is more common in persons over the age of 30.
- People who work in jobs that require repetitive wrist movement or the use of tools are more likely to develop CTS.
- Women are much more prone than men to get CTS. Additionally, pregnancy increases the risk of CTS, especially in fluid-retaining women.
- Conditions like arthritis, diabetes, gout, alcoholism, and hypothyroidism may make someone more prone to CTS.
Easy methods to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome
You can lessen your chance of getting CTS or other more severe symptoms in a number of ways. Here are some general tips that can be used at home or at work.
Wear a wrist brace
Wearing a wrist brace or splint can help you to keep your wrist straight while doing repetitive tasks or sleeping. Many people sleep with their wrists bent, which compresses the median nerve. To keep your wrist strong and flexible after removing the brace, make sure to move it as you normally would, but try to avoid overusing it.
Take Frequent Breaks
If you are required to perform repetitive tasks anyhow, try to take quick pauses as frequently as you can, at least once every hour. You can use an alarm clock to ensure you do not forget to take breaks.
Avoid repetition
Performing repetitive tasks is one of the major reasons for developing CTS. So, try to avoid making the same movements repeatedly. This suggestion is especially important for motions that require flexing your wrists. If possible, mix up tasks to avoid repetition. For example, give your right hand a break by switching to using your left hand.
Stretch frequently
Perform a stretching exercise during your breaks or, preferably, every 20 minutes. Hold your fingers in a fist, then release them and stretch them out as far as you can. Repeat this stretching exercise 5–10 times.
What is the treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated non-surgically or surgically. Non-surgical procedures are typically used for less serious conditions and allow you to carry on with your normal activities uninterrupted. In more extreme cases, surgical procedures can be beneficial and produce excellent results.
Non-surgical Treatment
- Usually, non-surgical options are used first. Treatment starts with:
- The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen.
- Wearing a wrist brace at night.
- Cortisone injections
Other treatments concentrate on changing your surroundings to lessen symptoms. This method is common in the workplace, where you can make changes to help with carpal tunnel. These changes can include:
- Adjusting the height of the chair.
- Changing your hand/wrist position while performing repetitive tasks.
- Moving your computer keyboard
- Using hand therapist-recommended exercises, splints, and heat treatments.
Surgical treatments
When non-surgical therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome is ineffective or the condition has gotten too bad, surgery is advised. Surgery aims to broaden the tunnel in order to relieve pressure on the tendons and nerves that pass through the space. The ligament(transverse carpal ligament) covering the carpal tunnel at the base of the palm is sliced (released) to accomplish this.
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