Though we humans are an advanced species, there’s no dearth of ailments and disorders waiting to wreak havoc in our body when our defenses are down. Simply eating healthy food and exercising won’t keep health issues at bay. For instance, conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can strike anyone irrespective of the balanced diet or the rigorous workout schedule they adhere to. Here is an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Very often we experience a tingling sensation when we remain dormant for a long time or when our leg becomes numb when we sit in the same position for a long time. We usually brush aside this tingling sensation and attribute this sensation to adopting the sensation for a long time. However, it becomes a cause of concern when this tingling sensation or numbness persists for several months. If the symptoms continue for a long period, the chances are high that you might be suffering from the carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the nerve in your wrist is pinched due to some activity that you performed, for instance, manual labor or using vibrating hand tools. People suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome often experience pain, numbness, weakness or a tingling sensation in the fingers or the hand, and this sensation might extend to arm as well.
The diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
Diagnosing this disorder becomes easier when the physician can aptly decipher the symptoms of the disorder and begin treatment accordingly. A person suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome would experience severe pain in the fingers or the wrist, or weakness, numbness, or tingling sensation in the fingers or the arm.
The doctor would diagnose the condition after a physical examination where the doctor would check the sensation, strength, and appearance of your hands, neck, arms, wrists, and shoulders. Also, in certain cases, the doctor might suggest you to opt for blood tests or nerve tests to diagnose the cause of pain.
Once the individual is diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, the following treatment or methods can tone down the effect of the syndrome:
- After diagnosis, the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome would require you to take frequent breaks from your repetitive strenuous tasks that caused the condition in the first place. Whether it is typing or playing guitar, take breaks to give your fingers and wrist some rest. This improves the blood flow in the affected area.
- Another way of treating carpal tunnel syndrome is to wear splints on your wrists. You experience the symptoms of the carpal tunnel when the median nerve is damaged, so the aim to relieve the pressure off the vein by wearing a splint.
- If the pain and swelling don’t subside, you can opt for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce the pain and swelling. However, ensure that you consult a physician before you opt for these medications.
- Haven’t we been advised to keep our feet elevated when there is swelling around the ankles? Well, this same method can be implemented to reduce the swelling on one’s fingers and wrist. Keeping your hands and elevated is one popular treatment method for managing carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Usually, the numbness engulfs your fingers and wrist if you haven’t moved them in quite some time. So, practice some stretching exercises which can relieve pressure on your wrist. The good news about this form of treatment method of carpal tunnel syndrome is that you can do it anywhere, even if you are waiting at a bus stop.
