Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist. Symptoms usually start gradually, with pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. The wrist is surrounded by a band of fibrous tissue which normally functions as a support for the joint. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day, and decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. In some cases no direct cause of the syndrome can be identified. Any condition that causes swelling or a change in position of the tissue within the carpal tunnel can squeeze and irritate the median nerve. However, the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is especially common in those performing assembly line work. Repetitive flexing and extension of the wrist may cause a thickening of the protective sheaths which surround each of the tendons. Fortunately, for most people who develop carpal tunnel syndrome, proper treatment usually can relieve the pain and numbness and restore normal use of the wrists and hands.

Some people might think that carpal tunnel syndrome is a new condition of the information technology age, born from long hours of computer keyboarding. The carpal tunnel - a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand ¾ houses the median nerve and tendons. Evidence of people experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in medical records dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. In patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, this nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. Because of the compression, the nerve does not function properly. Although painful sensations may indicate other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common and widely known of the entrapment neuropathies in which the body's peripheral nerves are compressed or traumatized.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome :

Smoking, which may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome by affecting the blood flow to the median nerve.
Normal wear and tear of the tissues in the hand and wrist caused by aging and repeated movements of the hand or wrist.
Buildup of fluid (edema) in the carpal tunnel that can occur from pregnancy or such conditions as rheumatoid arthritis .
Tumors and other growths (such as ganglions ). These uncommon causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are usually benign.
Repeated hand and wrist movements that cause the membranes surrounding the tendons (tendon sheaths) to swell (tenosynovitis).
People with diabetes may get carpal tunnel syndrome.
Different kinds of arthritis that cause the wrists to swell can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Injury to the wrist can lead to it.
Repeated movements and heavy use of the hand and wrist may play a role. Some people who have jobs or hobbies that make them use their hands and wrists in this way may be at greater risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Some Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Occasional aching pain in your forearm between your elbow and wrist.
Stiffness in your fingers when you get up in the morning.
More pain when you use your hand or wrist more.
Trouble gripping objects.
Pain in your wrist, palm or forearm.
Weakness in your thumb.

Treatmemt of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If treated early, carpal tunnel symptoms usually go away with nonsurgical treatment.
Anti-inflammatory preparations , such as ibuprofen, may help to reduce pain, as straight pain killers (analgesics) and also by reducing swelling.
If home treatment does not help, or if your symptoms are more severe (including the loss of feeling in your fingers or hand, or the inability to perform simple hand movements such as holding objects or pinching), have your health professional examine you and recommend treatment.
If your symptoms are mild, with occasional tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain, 1 to 2 weeks of home treatment are likely to relieve your symptoms.
Injections of corticosteroids, NSAIDs
Carpal tunnel release to relieve the pressure on the median nerve.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend a minor operation to release the pressure on the front of the wrist (carpal tunnel release).
Your doctor may suggest an injection of a small dose of steroid into the carpal tunnel. This reduces inflammation and swelling in the carpal tunnel and usually settles the symptoms, partially or completely, for some time.

Bowel & Stomach Diseases

Appendicitis
Barett's Oesophagus
Coeliac Disease
Crohn's Disease

Heart Problems

Angina
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Arrhythmias
Atrial Fibrillation

Infectious Diseases

Bacterial Vaginosis
Bird Flu
Boils
Cellulitis
Chicken Pox
Cystitis

Skin Disorders

Acne
Alopecia Areata
Baldness

Women Diseases

Abnormal Periods
Atropic Vaginitis
Breast Cancer
Breast Pain
Cervical Cancer

Liver & Kidney Diseases

Cholecystitis
Cirrhosis
Fatty Liver Disease
Kidney Cancer
Liver Cancer

Mental Health

Anorexia Nervosa
Bipolar Affective Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Dementia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Schizophrenia

Disclaimer : All information on www.family-health-guide.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.