Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The Most Common Hand Injury
Its Impact on Daily Activities
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common hand injury. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the narrow wrist passageway, called the carpal tunnel. Bones and ligaments surround the nerve. Anything that squeezes or irritates the median nerve may cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
CTS is characterized by numbness, tingling and weakness in the thumb and fingers. It might also feel like an electric shock, and the numbness and tingling can travel from the wrist to the arm. The resulting weakness in the hand can cause you to drop objects.
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Causes and Risks
There is usually no single cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. It might result after a wrist fracture or be caused by the swelling and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. Overuse, such as texting and typing, is another common cause. Sometimes, a combination of risk factors results in carpal tunnel syndrome, and often, no real cause is ever identified.
There are numerous risk factors associated with the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Gender assigned at birth can play a role as women are at a greater risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome than men.
- Nerve damaging conditions like diabetes and obesity, and certain medicines can also increase the risk.
- Whenever there are body fluid or hormonal changes, like with pregnancy or menopause, the increased pressure can irritate the median nerve and result in CTS.
- Finally, workplace factors such as working with vibrating tools or performing repetitive motion tasks throughout the day can increase the risk of CTS.
Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Acupuncture for Relief and Long-Term Health
While there is no definitive way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, you can do things to lessen the stress on your wrists and hands. Relax your grip and take short, frequent stretch breaks during the day. Maintain good posture and try to keep your hands warm. Seek medical attention if your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms interfere with normal activities or interrupt sleep. If CTS is left untreated, permanent nerve and muscle damage can occur.
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that can be used alongside standard medical treatment, such as physical therapy. It promotes blood flow, reduces inflammation and stimulates the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms. Acupuncture can provide lasting relief from carpal tunnel symptoms.