Repetitive Stress Injury Condition - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are many different types of repetitive stress injury conditions. An overuse of the body’s muscles in one particular area is the cause of these types of injuries. Those who repeatedly move their wrists may be susceptible to a form of repetitive stress injury known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Definition

When the median nerve, which is located in the wrist, is compressed, it results in carpal tunnel syndrome. Those who experience carpal tunnel may feel a sense of tingling or numbness present in the wrist.

Carpal tunnel sometimes causes the afflicted person to wake in the middle of the night, experiencing pain.

Symptoms

Those who are afflicted with a case of carpal tunnel disorder experience varying symptoms, but more often than not, a feeling of burning is experienced within the wrist.

Sometimes those with carpal tunnel syndrome also experience tingling or numbness within the wrist. In this article, we’ll talk about the types of treatments that are available when it comes to getting over a case of carpal tunnel syndrome.

By attempting to wring out a washcloth, you may be able to diagnose a case of carpal tunnel syndrome. You should consult a doctor for further diagnosis if you feel a sense of weakness present in your wrists.

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects both men and women, but it is more commonly found in women. Usually people aged over 50 get affected to carpal tunnel syndrome and it affects about one out of ten people in the United States.

It’s a problem that grows over time, and increased hand use and activity can activate the injury. Contrary to popular belief, office-type work may not be a major cause of developing carpal tunnel. A report published by Harvard showed that computer usage did not affect the occurrence rate of carpal tunnel.

Physical Stress to the Wrists

Physical stress to the wrists is one of main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. It may develop after the fracture of one of the bones in the arm, or a dislocation of one of the carpal bones.

Old bone fractures can heal incorrectly, resulting in carpal tunnel, and internal hemorrhaging can result in the forming of hematoma within the wrist, causing the syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

As soon as a case of carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed, treatment should begin. If the carpal tunnel syndrome is aggravated by a case of diabetes or a case of arthritis, you should speak to a doctor in order to address those concerns first.

After those concerns are addressed, the first order of business is limiting the amount of motion your wrist experiences. Doctors generally prescribe at least two weeks of rest for the afflicted wrists. Inflammation of the affected wrists may be lessened by the use of an ice pack.

There are many different carpal tunnel syndrome treatment methods. Wrist braces are usually used to lessen the amount of strain that is placed on them when doing things such as typing in minor cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The brace is often coupled with non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, to reduce the swelling and lessen the pain. Additionally, anti-inflammatory drugs are often used to treat the inflammation associated with the affliction.

Various non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs may be useful in lessening the swelling and inflammation, including drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin. These types of medications can help to lessen the pain for a short period of time; in order to reduce the inflammation for a long period of time, diuretics, or water pills may be prescribed.

If drugs and rest have been helpful in eliminating the symptoms, an exercise program may be prescribed in order to strengthen the ligaments of the wrist. In order to obtain an exercise program for carpal tunnel syndrome, you may want to speak to a qualified physical therapist.

Ultrasonic therapy may also be used. In more extreme cases of carpal tunnel, surgery may be the necessary route when it comes to relieving the pain. Deep tissue massages can be helpful, as it can help to release the tension placed on the wrist’s nerves.

Depending on where the problem lies, there are many different surgical methods used. Most of the surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis with the surgery lasting between ten and fifteen minutes.