- Carpal Tunnel Pain in the Wrist can be Debilitatin - Sharon Perkins
Carpal tunnel syndrome has many causes; diseases and conditions that cause swelling or fluid retention and repetitive motions that put constant pressure on the median nerve can all contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Conservative treatment such as splitting is often successful at treating carpal tunnel without surgery, although surgery can be done if rest and splinting fail.
Carpal Tunnel Causes: Pregnancy, Repetitive Motion, Arthritis
Carpal tunnel may occur in some people simply because of their anatomy; their tunnel is narrower than normal, so the nerve is more easily compressed. Other common causes include:
- pregnancy, which causes swollen tissues that may cause or aggravate carpal tunnel
- injury to the wrist
- use of tools that cause forceful repetitive movements like jack hammering
- rheumatoid arthritis
Sometimes no cause is found.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms: Tingling, Numbness, Pain, Weakness
Carpal tunnels starts with tingling and numbness in the hand or any of the fingers besides the little finger, which is enervated by a different nerve. This may be more common in the morning or when the hand is held at an angle that puts pressure on the nerve. Sometimes pain runs from the wrist into the fingers or up the arm; the hand may feel weak and clumsy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The hand may feel swollen, even if it doesn’t look swollen; people often have an urge to “shake out” the hand to get rid of the tingling and numbness.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain Treatments; Splinting, Rest, Yoga
Simple treatments should be started first. Taking frequent breaks, using ice packs to reduce swelling, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be enough to treat mild cases of carpal tunnel pain. If simple measures don’t work, cortisone injection into the tunnel reduces swelling and helps decrease discomfort.
Wearing a splint or wrist brace for several weeks helps reduce irritation and inflammation in the tunnel. Special stretching exercises may be of value once pain subsides. Yoga has proven of benefit in strengthening the hand and improving grip strength, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders states.
Treating Carpal Tunnel with Endoscopic and Open Release Surgery
Carpal tunnel surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States. Not everyone should have surgery done for carpal tunnel; surgery should be considered if symptoms have persisted for more than six months and conservative measures have failed.
There are two ways to do carpal tunnel surgery: open release and endoscopy. Both are performed under local anesthesia and involve cutting the carpal ligament. Open release involves a two-inch incision, while endoscopic surgery creates two half inch incisions. Scarring is minimized with endoscopy.
Recovery is not immediate after surgery; physical therapy may be required to regain strength in the wrist. Potential complications include nerve damage, infection and scaring at the incision site.
Living With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Without Debilitating Pain
Many cases of carpal tunnel can be managed without surgery. Taking frequent breaks from tasks that require repetitive wrist movements, keeping hands warm while working, and using less force to grip items and complete tasks reduced strain on your wrists. Wearing splints and braces and making sure your keyboard placement is ergonomic all help reduce carpal tunnel syndrome’s painful symptoms.
Sources:
MayoClinic.com, "Carpal Tunnel" (accessed January 25, 2010)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, " Carpal Tunnel" (accessed January 25, 2010)
Sharon Perkins - Sharon is an RN with over 20 years experience in maternal child health, oncology, and ophthalmology. She was the RN coordinator for an ...
