Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a progressive ailment of the hands and wrists.Carpal tunnel syndrome is what happens when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. When this nerve compresses, it causes numbness and muscle weakness in the corresponding hand. It takes time to get used to living with carpal tunnel. The symptoms can be reduced in a variety of ways. It is also a syndrome that can be prevented with help from a Braidwood hospital doctor as well.

People with carpal tunnel have symptoms that increase gradually over time. The first symptom that most people experience is numbness and a burning or tingling sensation in the thumb, index and middle fingers. This takes place at night when most people tend to bend their wrists as they sleep, therefore compressing that critical nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, so a nerve conduction study or even referral to a neurologist can help to determine the exact cause of these symptoms.

The exact causes are still under debate. There are many who believe that highly repetitive manual acts or repetitively grasping objects are the causes, but there has been no evidence to support those theories. Your Braidwood Illinois healthcare doctor will work with you to try to determine the cause of your symptoms.

One of the main causes is actually that of your genetics! If your parents had carpal tunnel, you are more likely to have it as well. That being said, most would say it really isn’t preventable. There are some things you can do that would prevent those pesky symptoms. Avoiding repetitive stress, using ergonomic equipment and taking frequent breaks might help to prevent this syndrome, although it has not been proven.

There are several different options for treating carpal tunnel.If it is determined that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is indeed the diagnosis, the treatment plan will be determined by the severity. Rest and a curtailing of activities that may aggravate it will be called for.Ice may help reduce the swelling, as well. There are exercises to stretch the area which may slow down or stop the malady’s progress. Various medications may be prescribed including Corticosteroids and Vitamin B6.

A wrist splint worn at night will help to limit numbness by limiting the range of motion of the wrist itself. This will help to give you a better night sleep, by not waking up with hands that have fallen asleep. The only surefire way to treat it is with carpal tunnel release surgery. When a mild case becomes unbearable surgery is often recommended. A one or two inch incision is made somewhere on the palm and the procedure is usually done out patient. You will need to make a decision on the treatment that is right for you.

With the proper care, carpal tunnel syndrome can be efficiently managed.