Do you experience wrist pain with numbness and tingling sensations? If so, you could have carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition is treatable if diagnosed and treated at the right time.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, is pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand where the median nerve and the tendons that bend the fingers are present. The median nerve provides feeling to the palm side and fingers. When these nerves are squeezed or compressed, symptoms like numbness, weakness, or pain occur in the hand and wrist, or occasionally in the forearm and arm.
Causes
This could happen for the following reasons:
- Repetitive motions like typing or any movements of the wrist that is repeated regularly. Actions where your hands are lower than your wrists usually cause this condition.
- Hypothyroidism
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Anatomic factors like a wrist fracture or dislocation
- Arthritis that deforms the small bones in the wrist
- Nerve-damaging conditions like diabetes
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Fluid retention and menopause
- Workplace factors that require prolonged or repetitive flexing of the wrist
Treatment
Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome should begin as early as possible, under a doctor's supervision. Depending on the severity of your condition, surgical and non-surgical treatments will be prescribed. Your doctor must treat underlying causes such as diabetes and arthritis first and then continue with treating carpal tunnel syndrome. We will be focusing on non-invasive methods.
Non-surgical treatments
- Wearing a splint at night prevents movement and help nerves recover faster.
- Avoiding daytime activities that may provoke pain and other symptoms.
- If the wrist is red, warm and swollen apply ice using a Cool Relief Wrist Wrap for fast relief.
- Use over-the-counter(OTC) drugs can ease the pain and swelling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers, may provide some short-term relief from discomfort.
- Alternative therapies like yoga have shown to reduce pain and improve grip strength among those with CTS.
Final thoughts
The recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome following treatment is rare. Some numbness or weakness is common and gradually reduces with time. If you are searching to buy the best wrist ice pack Cool Relief is your one-stop destination. We have a variety of wraps that can help in treating conditions like CTS.