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!
