Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms and Treatment

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition of the wrist in which the median nerve is abnormally compressed at the wrist, leading to pain and muscle weakness in the hand. A form of compressive neuropathy, CTS is more common in women than it is in men and can occur at any age.

What are the causes?

The majority of CTS cases are idiopathic (without known cause). Repetitive activities are often blamed for the development of CTS along with several other possible causes. Other contributing factors include injury to the wrist that causes swelling, such as a sprain or fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, mechanical problems in the wrist joint, work stress, frequent or repeated use of vibrating hand tools, and fluid retention during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. The symptoms often first appear in one or both hands during the night, since many people sleep with flexed wrists.

As symptoms worsen, people might begin to feel tingling during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp objects, or perform other manual tasks. In chronic, untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away.

What are the treatment and prevention measures?

Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome should begin as early as possible, under a doctor's direction. Underlying causes such as arthritis should be treated first. Initial treatment generally involves resting the affected hand and wrist for at least 2 weeks, avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms, and immobilizing the wrist in a wrap or splint such as the CarpalGard to avoid further strain. If inflammation is present, applying cold packs and elevating the affected wrist can help to reduce swelling.

Recommended for use with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), wrist pain, wrist strain, arthritis, and other hand and wrist ailments, the CarpalGard offers support and comfort while allowing for adjustable compression.

Click here to learn more about the CarpalGard Wrist Support!

Crocs Orthocloud Comfort Socks

orthocloud comfort socks

Ideal for: ultra-sensitive feet, impaired circulation, impaired sensation, diabetic feet, arthritis, swollen/achy feet.

• Calf high.
• Recommended for diabetics.
• Double cushion sole — extra padding protects toes, heel and entire bottom of foot.
• Seamless toe — no irritating toe seam.
• Double compression band provides very gentle forefoot compression while preventing wrinkling during wear.
• Moisture wicking — coolmax™ fibers wick moisture away from the skin, keeping the foot dry.

To purchase Crocs Orthocloud Comfort socks, click here!

Crocs Silver Insole

silver insole

The Crocs™ Silver Insoles are ideal for ultra-sensitive feet, plantar warts, athlete’s foot, heel pain, arthritis and extra cushion for sports.

• APMA approved and carries the United States Ergonomics endorsement.
• Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and odor-resistant.
• Soft, shock-absorbing foot bed reduces stress on feet, knees, hips and lower back.
• Orthotic heel cup.
• Ideal for athletic recovery.
• Fits: sneakers, casual shoes, dress shoes, and work boots.
• Helps you stay on your feet longer.
• Increases walking comfort.

Crocs Work Shoes

ginger

The Crocs™ Ginger work shoe, designed with the fashion-conscious worker in mind. This amazing slim-fitting heel features a leather upper and croslite™ material sole for style and comfort. With our innovative Crocs Lock™ tread pattern you will have excellent traction in slippery conditions, and still be stylish with this amazing Crocs™ work shoe for women.

The Crocs™ Ginger work shoe features:

• 2 inch heel designed for stability and comfort.
• Easy to clean croslite™ footbed conforms to the foot, creating a custom fit.
• Ergonomic footbed reduces the load on feet, legs and back, while circulation nubs help stimulate blood flow mesh liner wicks moisture away from foot.
• Features an adjustable strap for secure fit.

To purchase Crocs Work Ginger shoes click here!

saffron

The Crocs™ Saffron is a stylishly designed work flat based off the Mary Jane Crocs™ shoe. The sole of this Crocs™ work shoe is made of comfortable croslite™ material with circulation nubs to help blood flow. The Crocs Lock™ tread pattern will help with those wet and slippery floors. If you are looking for style, comfort, and security, the Crocs™ Saffron is the perfect pair of work shoes.

The Crocs™ Saffron work shoe features:

• Footbed made with easy to clean croslite™ material and waterproof leather upper.
• Croslite™ footbed conforms to the foot, creating a custom fit.
• Ergonomic footbed reduces the load on feet, legs and back, while circulation nubs help stimulate blood flow.
• Mesh liner wicks moisture away from foot.
• Features an adjustable strap for secure fit.

To purchase Crocs Work Saffron shoes click here!

bistro

No one needs – or deserves – comfortable ergonomic shoes more than people working in food service, hospitality and health care. Crocs™ Bistro clog gives you everything you look for in a shoe for work. Redesigned based on Crocs™ original shoes, these new clogs for men and women incorporate workplace-friendly features.

Crocs Bistro Clog™ uses a new tread design, Crocs Lock™, tested to ASTM standards, and found to exceed slip resistance requirements on oil, water, soap and a variety of slippery surfaces, and is non-marking. To further protect your feet at work, these clogs have an enclosed toe and heel and thicker metatarsal area. Of course, we didn’t forget about comfort. Crocs™ Bistro shoes are made with our innovative crocslite™ material. These shoes give you a custom fit by conforming to your feet.

To purchase Crocs Work Bistro shoes click here!

specialist

These casual work shoes were designed to meet workplace standards. Crocs™ Specialist is based on Crocs™ original clog design, but with a closed heel and closed toe design. Crocs’ exclusive croslite™ material conforms to your foot creating a custom fit. To ensure all-day comfort, we beefed up the arch support and included footbed circulation nubs to stimulate blood flow in your feet. A loose fit that allows your foot to bend and expand naturally results in ergonomic shoes. You may want to wear them even on your day off. Other workplace-friendly features of Crocs™ Specialist include:

• Thicker metatarsal area to help protect the top of your foot.
• Odor-resistant and bacteriostatic croslite™ material.
• Simple to sterilize and clean in water and bleach.

To purchase Crocs Work Specialist shoes click here!

Crocs Rx Shoes

Rx Cloud

The Crocs™ Rx Cloud is specifically designed with the diabetic foot in mind. Ideal for ultra-sensitive feet, impaired circulation, and impaired sensation.

• APMA approved and carries the United States Ergonomics endorsement.
• Specifically designed to protect heel.
• Soft sole relieves pressure points on feet.
• Smooth inner sole protects tender skin.
• Roomy forefoot provides comfortable fit with no pressure points.
• Air portals keep feet cool and dry.
• Superior grip and non-marking soles.
• Bacteriostatic and odor-resistant.

Purchase Crocs Rx Cloud shoes here.

Rx Relief

ideal for arthritis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, swollen/achy feet and bunions

• APMA accepted and carries the United States Ergonomics endorsement
• Made from Crocslite Ag™ material, making the Relief model anti-bacterial, anti fungal and odor resistant
• Enhanced footbed for improved comfort
• Shock-absorbing sole relieves stress on feet, knees, hips and lower back
• Roomy forefoot allows comfortable fit with no pressure points, relieving discomfort from bunions and other foot irregularites
• Anatomically designed sole provides comfortable relief for plantar fasciitis, heel bruises and other plantar injuries

Purchase Crocs Rx Relief shoes here.

Nail Fungus

A fungal infection of the toenail occurs when fungus infects one or more of the nails.

A nail fungal infection may first appear as yellowish spot under the tip of the toenail. As the fungus penetrates deeper into the nail, it may cause the nail to thicken, discolor, and develop crumbling edges - an unsightly and often painful problem.

People who have certain types of immune diseases, diabetes, minor skin or nail injuries, excessive foot perspiration and people who wear tight fitting, non-breathing footwear are at greater risk of developing a nail fungus infection.

What are the causes?

Fungal infections of the toenails are usually caused by a specific group of fungi called dermatophytes.

These organisms thrive in warm, moist environments, including swimming pools and showers. They can invade your toes through tiny invisible fissures on the skin or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed.

Nail infections are often a consequence of an untreated, larger fungal infection of the feet, such as athlete's foot. Fungal nail infections are often difficult to treat and may be a reoccurring problem.

Fungal infections can be spread from direct contact with any surface that serves as a reservoir for fungus such as shoes, infected towels, showers and pool surfaces etc.

What are the symptoms?

Signs of a toenail fungus include discolored, dull, brittle, thick, and distorted nails. Spongy debris may accumulate under the nail. In cases of severe infection, crumbling, and ultimately detachment, of the nail can occur.

What are the treatment and prevention measures?

Toenail fungus can be prevented by wearing flexible, breathable shoes and clean, dry socks every day. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas and always try to keep feet clean and dry.

Dr. Roth suggests the use of the Foot Fixer Kit to help resolve a fungal infection of the nails. If the infection is severe, Dr. Roth suggests using the Nail & Foot Gel even if no nail fungus is present. In mild infections use of the Foot Balm should eliminate the condition.

Overpronation of the Foot

Overpronation

Overpronation, also known as flat feet, is a common condition in which the foot's natural arch collapses upon weight bearing; potentially causing severe discomfort and leading to other significant foot problems.

What are the causes?

Overpronation, caused by excessive stretching of the fibrous tissue that is present at the bottom of the foot, is the most common cause of flat feet.

Obesity, pregnancy, or repetitive, prolonged impact with a hard surface can weaken the arch, leading to overpronation.

What are the symptoms?

Some common symptoms of a flat foot include:

• Uneven wear of the shoe.
• Lower leg pain
• Pain on the inside of your ankle
• Swelling along the inside of your ankle
• Foot pain

What are the treatment and prevention measures?

Dr. Roth recommends the use of FABS or MAGFABS to help support the arch and alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with flat feet.