Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Page 3 – Repetitive Injuries

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Do You Have It?

Carpal tunnel syndrome reached epidemic proportions in the 90’s and has now achieved a status equaling pandemic proportions in the 21st century. With carpal tunnel syndrome having such devastating effects on millions of people each year, how do you know if you or someone you know has it?

With so much attention and hype the past 10-years concerning carpal tunnel syndrome in the workplace, you would think that a clear-cut picture would exist regarding the ‘how’s’ ‘why’s’ and ‘what is it’s’ of carpal tunnel. Although carpal tunnel syndrome should be easily recognizable with such extensive media exposure, you would be amazed at how many people, including a lot of doctors, who do not recognize the symptoms or misdiagnose it as something other than carpal tunnel syndrome.

In order to provide a more clear picture of what carpal tunnel is, why and how it develops and what can be done to eliminate it, I have provided information below to explain the process so that you can better identify and therefore prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from taking over your life.

What is the Carpal Tunnel?

The carpal tunnel is a passageway in which the nine flexor tendons, median nerve, arteries, blood and lymphatic vessels pass through in order to supply function and movement to the fingers and wrist.

The carpal bones line the carpal tunnel on the posterior surface (backside) of the wrist with the transverse carpal ligament positioned on the anterior (front side) of the wrist. The size of the carpal tunnel is about the size of the index finger in diameter, and the flexor tendons, arteries and nerves glide past one another with ease in a carpal tunnel that has not decreased in size.

How Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Develop?

Because the finger and wrist muscles are constantly overused in one-way movement patterns, (Gripping, squeezing, typing, etc.) a "muscle imbalance" develops, causing the carpal bones to shift, in turn, making the carpal tunnel smaller and impinging the structures within, resulting in painful and debilitating symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tingling

Numbness

Paresthesia (Pins & needles)

Loss of grip-strength / coordination

Sensations involving tightness, discomfort, stiffness and pain on the front side of the hand and wrist may be present in carpal tunnel, but may also be symptoms of a general repetitive strain injury.

The only true telltale signs of carpal tunnel syndrome that you need to be aware of affect the thumb, index, middle and sometimes one-half of the ring finger. (All of the fingers and symptoms listed do not have to be experienced simultaneously for you to have carpal tunnel syndrome.)

If you have symptoms in your entire ring and/or little finger and your doctor tells you that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you don’t! The ULNAR nerve supplies function to the ring and little finger and has nothing to so with carpal tunnel syndrome. (If the ring and/or little fingers are affected, it may either be Cubital Tunnel Syndrome or Guyon’s Syndrome)

How Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Eliminated?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can quickly and easily be eliminated by performing a good stretch and exercise program that addresses the existing muscle imbalance that is the cause of carpal tunnel in most cases.

Staying Symptom-Free:

Knowing why carpal tunnel syndrome develops and what to look for is the key to keeping your hands healthy. With the information provided above you should now be able to recognize the disabling symptoms and take the steps necessary in order to stop it before it stops you!

By: Jeff P. Anliker, LMT –

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Jeff P. Anliker, LMT, is a Therapist and Inventor of Therapeutic Exercise Products that are utilized by Corporations, Consumers and Medical Facilities around the world. Balance Systems, Inc.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery and Other Treatments

Invasive Treatments – Do They Really Work For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

If you have been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), you may be wondering – what next? Below you will find information regarding the most common (not the best) treatment options currently in use in the medical industry and their success and failure rates.

If you have received a positive carpal tunnel diagnosis, most doctors will push for cortisone injections and/or surgery, procedures that have poor success rates and ones that should only be performed as a last resort, after all other conservative treatment methods have been utilized.

The following information provides details about what each current procedure entails as well as statistics that reveal why conservative therapy should be implemented over the following invasive treatment methods.

CORTISONE INJECTIONS FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

Cortisone is medication that treats inflammation only. Often the carpal tunnel pain will subside because the inflammation of the median nerve is reduced from the use of the cortisone, but this is only a temporary effect.

The one main problem with cortisone is that for 21 days following the injection, the tendons have the consistency of rubber and can be seriously overstretched and damaged. This is a common side effect that most doctors fail to tell their patients. If the patient continues overusing and/or stressing their hands and wrists, the tendons can overstretch and cause the structural integrity of the joint to diminish greatly, causing the joint to become loose and sloppy, resulting in an even greater possibility of further injury and damage.

Cortisone can be used wisely as a part of a carpal tunnel treatment program along with the implementation of proper stretches add exercises, the most important tool that can be used to recover from carpal tunnel. If cortisone is utilized, it is good for the patient to take this time, when the carpal tunnel is not inflamed, to be on a conservative therapy program to correct the existing muscle imbalance in the wrist joint and eliminate the carpal tunnel symptoms for good. The problem is that most doctors give the cortisone shot and the patient goes home and either does nothing, or does too much, causing greater trauma to the median nerve within the carpal tunnel and exacerbating the symptoms.

Steroid (Cortisone) Injection Statistic:

*Failure rate (Including "partial success" as failure) is 72.6% after 1-year follow up. Source: Irwin, et al. J Hand Surgery.

SURGERY FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

Carpal tunnel surgery consists of releasing (severing) the transverse carpal ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. Surgery is utilized to open and widen the carpal tunnel in order to allow more room for the median nerve, artery and nine flexor tendons to move around. There are several surgical procedures that are utilized to achieve this:

Open Release Surgery: A local anesthetic is injected into the wrist and/or hand and a 2-3-inch incision is made in the palm and cuts the carpal ligament free from the underlying median nerve. This operation takes about 20-25 minutes.

‘Mini’ Open Release Surgery: The mini-open release technique involves an incision that is about 1.5 inches long and can be performed in the doctor’s office with only a local anesthetic. The operation takes only about 12 minutes.

Endoscopic Release Surgery: The Endoscopic technique is less invasive and uses involves one or two .5′ inch long incisions in the wrist and or palm, and one or two endoscope (pencil-thin) tubes are inserted. A tiny camera and a knife are inserted through these lighted tubes. While observing the carpal ligament on a television monitor, the surgeon cuts the ligament to free the compressed median nerve.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery Statistics:

*’Only 23% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients were able to return to their previous professions following surgery.’ Source: NIOSH

*’Carpal tunnel surgery has about a 57% failure rate following patients from 1-day to 6-years. At least one of the following symptoms re-occurred during this time: Pain, Numbness, Tingling sensations.’ Source: Nancollas, et al, 1995. J. Hand Surgery.

CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

Conservative therapy is really the only key to preventing carpal tunnel syndrome as well as for the successful recovery and long-term relief of existing carpal tunnel symptoms, even for post-surgery patients that have experienced little relief. Always try conservative therapy first and eliminate future injections and surgical procedures – Try the "Conservative Alternative".

By: Jeff P. Anliker, LMT –

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Jeff P. Anliker, LMT, is a Therapist and Inventor of Therapeutic Exercise Products that are utilized by Corporations, Consumers and Medical Facilities around the world. Balance Systems, Inc.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Causes

Carpal Tunnel Symptoms To Watch For

One things that you will need to watch for when looking into the many different forms of carpel tunnel are those that are known as repetitive stress injuries. Those injuries are caused when a person performs the same range of motions, in the same manner many times a day.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, a repetitive stress injury or RSI, is no longer limited to someone who works at a computer all day. Any activity, such as playing sports or musical instruments, or job that requires a regular repetitive motion or action could cause an RSI. Here you will learn how to watch for symptoms associated with carpal tunnel, and how to avoid them.
The initial symptom you will probably experience when afflicted with this condition is a tingling sensation in each of your hands. A lot of people say it feels as though ‘pins and needles’ are pricking them. Many people also report feeling this in their wrist and hand area, particularly in the digits. Some individuals also experience the sensation in their forearms, often on the inside of the arm on the same side as the thumb. It likely affects thumbs, index fingers and middle fingers. Though rare, in extreme cases, people may also feel it in their palms. This is because the wrist’s median nerve, located close to the ‘tunnel,’ is being compressed, which delays and interferes with the signals for that specific nerve.
The next symptom that you should watch for is weakness in the hand and the wrist. There are several muscles that run along the arm, in the wrist, and in the hand. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive stress injuries, it is quite likely that the inflammation as a result of these injuries affect the muscles and/or there is compression in the muscles as well. This may cause the muscles to become weak. In addition to this, if there is compression on the muscles it is likely that the muscle is not getting the necessary oxygen and circulation. This means that you may find that there is actual numbness in the wrist, as well as the hands in general.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a complicated condition that can result in a number of symptoms. The symptoms mentioned so far are among the most common symptoms that one may experience. There are other symptoms, such as:
1. You may be unable to grasp items as well as you used to.
2. You might discover that you experience the sensation that your hand is falling asleep.
3. You may experience pain or soreness in the forearm between hand and elbow.
There could be feeling of stiffness in the area of fingers and wrist.
The easiest motions like closing the zipper on your purse, or starting your car by turning the key can become impossible.
This guide will give you the signs to watch out for if you think that you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. If your symptoms fit the descriptions, then consider a consultation with a medical professional. They will make the official diagnosis and you can decide where to proceed from there.

By: Frank Barnett

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Of course, the easiest way to avoid most forms of carpal tunnel syndrome is often to simply upgrade your workstation. If you’re tired of the one-size-fits-all equipment that came with your computer, visit Ergonomic Resources today!

Risk Factors To Develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Are you having a problem with numbness in your fingers? If you are there are a couple of possible explanations for this. The two most common problems that create numbness in the fingers are carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injury. These two problems can both create this finger numbness, as well as other possible symptoms. With this in mind, here is a better look at these two issues and a bit more about them to help you determine which one you are probably dealing with.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the possible causes of finger numbness. The carpal tunnel actually extends through the wrist on the side of the palm, with its purpose being the protection of the median nerve and a variety of tendons as well. When there is too much pressure applied to this nerve this can lead to the problem of numbness, as well as other issues.

There are other possible symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome besides finger numbness, as you will discover. Often there will be tingling in the hands and fingers also. Another symptom can also be pain in the fingers, as well as the wrist and even up the arm. Weakness can also be another symptom related to carpal tunnel syndrome, even leading to the possibility of dropping things.

-The Risks – There are a variety of different risk factors that can make you more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome which you need to know about. Often occupations that involved making wrist motions that are repetitive can lead to the condition. Certain occupations, such as those that include working with computers, typing, and workers on assembly lines, can be more at risk. Pregnancy, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and even rheumatoid arthritis can make you more at risk as well.

Repetitive Stress Injury: Another issue that can cause finger numbness is known as repetitive stress injury. These injuries generally happen when you are performing the same motions over and over. In this case, the repetitive movement would involve the use of your wrists and hands. Some of the injuries that might be included are epicondylitis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, tendonitis and trigger finger.

-Causes – Stress injuries, what is it that causes these types of injuries to occur? Well, this type of injury can be brought on because of repetitions motions. Also, because of doing wrists motions which are unnatural. This can also be because of weakening of the muscles, over exerting, and having the wrong posture can be repetitive stress injuries.

Repetitive stress injuries can lead to many symptoms. While numb fingers are the best known of these symptoms, tingling and persistent pain centered in the hands and fingers can also result. Reduced hand strength, loss of flexibility, redness, and localized swelling may also be noticed.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injuries can both lead to loss of feeling in your fingers. It may be a good idea for you to visit your doctor, so that he can tell which of these is the program and determine how to treat your difficulties.

By: Frank Barnett

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Often improper ergonomic setup can be the culprit, with simple and inexpensive or even free solutions. Take a look at ergonomic resources for more tips!

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Carpal Tunnel Release – do you need it?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Overview

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

There are 8 bones in our wrists called carpals. They form a tunnel like structure. That is how carpal tunnel got its name. Finger movements are controlled by flexor tendons, which are found within this tunnel. The median nerve reaches sensory cells in the hand, through this pathway of tunnel.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and progressive condition that occurs in the wrist. It is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve runs into the hand starting from the forearm. When it becomes squeezed or pressed at the wrist, its message carrying and receiving ability from the brain gets inhibited. It is not necessary that the whole median nerve be pressed to cause carpal tunnel syndrome. The syndrome is caused when a point on the nerve is pressed. As a result of this compression the nerve does not function properly and causes carpal tunnel syndrome.
carpal tunnel release pearland
1 out of every 100 people is affected by carpal tunnel syndrome at some point in their life. It is commonly caused in the women of the age group of 30-50 years. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also known as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Carpal tunnel syndrome is inclusive of the (RSI) related soft tissue injuries.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Though there are various possibilities behind the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, the basic cause is the compression of tunnel walls. As the tunnel walls compress, they put pressure on the median nerve. As the median nerve gets stressed, it causes carpal tunnel syndrome.

Congenital predisposition is also a cause of carpal tunnel disorder. In a majority of cases the carpal tunnel is smaller than the normal, which causes the median nerve to stress.

The syndrome can develop quickly, if the wrist has been fractured or injured. Rheumatoid Arthritis is also a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.

In some cases repetitive stress induced carpal tunnel strain causes this syndrome. If a person’s occupation involves, gripping, typing or digging, the hand gets strained and it directly strains the median nerve.

Repetitive wrist and hand action results in the injury and swelling of the subcutaneous tissues. These tissues include muscle, ligament, fascia, sheaths, tendon, blood vessels and peripheral and retinaculum nerve. Due to the small and restricted passage of the tunnel, these swollen tissues can compress together and create concentrated pressure.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused due to some trauma based incidents. These causes include fracture or injury of the wrist or one of the arm bones. Internal hemorrhaging in the wrist leads to formation of hematoma which causes the syndrome. If any one of the carpal bones of the wrist gets dislocated, it leads to carpal syndrome. Obesity is another common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Women who take contraceptive pills can also go on to develop this condition.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The early symptoms include tingling, numbness and burning in the thumb and the index and middle fingers. People suffering from this syndrome, find it hard to grip things, or make a fist. The symptom grows to a severe pain in the hand and restricts the movement of the hand at all. A person gradually loses his ability to squeeze things. They may even find it very hard to tie their shoe laces and picking things up becomes a challenge.

In the worst cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, the patients are unable to differentiate between hot and cold things by touch.

Who is at Risk?

People who are involved in assembly line work are at the maximum risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. However it can also develop in the people who are constantly related to any of the following activities or professions:

Video games
Computer keyboard typing or typewriter typing
Musical instruments
Driving a vehicle
Surgeons and Dentists
People involved in exhaustive activity of hands like drilling, digging.

Treatment Available.

Avoiding repetitive and exhaustive activities related to hand movement, is the first instruction for someone suffering with carpal tunnel syndrome. The patient must abstain from such activities in order to give relief to their hand and free the median nerve of pressure.

Stretching exercises also helps in treating the syndrome as exercising helps in maintaining blood flow normal in the nerves.

Medicines like corticosteroid and prescription based NSAID’s can help in relieving the syndrome. If the condition gets worse, there is the option of surgery.

You should consult your doctor immediately if you feel you may be suffering with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

By: Michael Jason

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Michael Jason writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome please visit www.carpal-tunnel-syndrome.org/ and for additional Carpal Tunnel Syndrome related articles please visit the following article page www.carpal-tunnel-syndrome.org/carpaltunnel-articles/