Hand, wrist, and finger pain can be caused by a litany of issues. But when you notice tingling, numbness, or weakness in your fingers or hands, you should be concerned. That’s especially true if you have a job that requires you to use your hands and wrists a lot, like an office job in front of a computer.
Out of all the finger and hand issues that Americans face, carpal tunnel syndrome is among the most prevalent. According to statistics, more than eight million people are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, every year. Surprisingly, surgery for this condition is the second-most performed kind of surgery in our country.
CTS is a big problem, but luckily, it doesn’t have to ruin your life. If you’re reading this page, chances are you’ve got questions like:
- What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
- What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
- What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Who is at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome?
- What are the treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Let’s dive in and answer some of the most common questions about CTS, so you can learn more and find relief about this common condition.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
CTS happens when there is pronounced pressure or adhesions on the median nerve. This nerve helps give sensation to your thumb, middle, index, and half of your ring finger. When the median nerve is compressed, CTS is common. The carpal tunnel is a small passageway protected by ligaments and bones on the palm side of your hand. CTS was first discovered in the 1800s. Today, it is a well-recognized condition by orthopedic doctors and surgeons.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The most common symptoms of CTS happen in your hands, fingers, and wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
Without the right kind of care, people with carpal tunnel syndrome will experience symptoms that get worse over time. Advanced CTS often requires a surgical solution, but if treated properly, surgery may be avoided and a full recovery could be achieved.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Any action that irritates, squeezes, or puts pressure on your median nerve in the carpal tunnel area may lead to CTS. For example, if you fracture your wrist, the injury can narrow your carpal tunnel, causing irritation to your median nerve. Unfortunately, there is no definitive cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Often, it’s a combination of risk factors that contribute to the condition.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Many factors are associated with CTS. While they may not directly cause the condition, they may increase the risk of damage to your median nerve. Some of the most common risk factors of CTS include:
- Workplace Factors: If you work in an environment that requires ongoing, repetitive motions or flexing of your wrists, you could be at risk. That’s even more true if you’re working in a cold environment.
- Injury: Wrist dislocations, fractures, and other injuries can change the carpal tunnel space and put more pressure on your median nerve.
- Chronic Illnesses: Long-term conditions like diabetes may cause you to be at higher risk of nerve damage, like damage to your median nerve.
- Obesity: If you’re overweight, you have a higher chance of CTS.
- Sex: Because females generally have a smaller carpal tunnel space than men, they are at higher risk of developing CTS.
What Are the Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
CTS develops gradually, but the condition will worsen over time without treatment. Luckily, there are treatment options to consider, especially from physical therapy and sports rehab centers like Denville Medical & Sports Rehab
Common CTS treatment options include:
- Bracing/Splinting
- Nerve Gliding
- EPAT Therapy
- Myofascial Release
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications
- Job or Recreational Activity Change
- Steroid Injections
- Surgical Procedures
Trust Denville Medical for Carpal Tunnel Relief
Living with carpal tunnel syndrome is hard, especially if your job affects the condition. After all, you can’t just abandon how you put food on the table! Fortunately, at Denville Medical, we have a complete team of physical therapists and doctors who can help treat your CTS symptoms.
Our team uses innovative, non-invasive treatments to help reduce numbness, tingling, and pain, so you can live life to the fullest. Don’t let CTS run your life – contact Denville Medical & Sports Rehab to begin carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in New Jersey today.
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