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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What Is It?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common orthopaedic condition that affects the hands and wrists. It happens when the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in your wrist called the carpal tunnel, gets compressed. This can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness in your thumb and fingers.
Synopsis
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
CTS usually develops gradually and can include:
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Tingling and Numbness: You might feel a tingling sensation or numbness in your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. This can feel like an electric shock and often occurs when you’re holding something like a steering wheel or phone. Many people find that these sensations can wake them up at night.
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Weakness: You may notice weakness in your hand, making it difficult to grip or hold onto objects. This weakness can be due to numbness or to the muscles that help with thumb movement being affected.
Consult our orthopaedic doctors in Pune if you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and need treatment.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The main cause of CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) is pressure on the median nerve. This pressure can come from various sources, such as:
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Anatomical Changes: Injuries like wrist fractures can change the shape of the carpal tunnel.
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Swelling and Inflammation: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation that puts pressure on the nerve.
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Multiple Factors: Often, there isn’t just one cause various factors can contribute to the development of CTS.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chances of developing CTS:
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Anatomy: Some people naturally have smaller carpal tunnels, which makes them more prone to CTS.
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Gender: Women are more likely to develop this condition, possibly due to hormonal differences and smaller tunnel sizes.
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Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes can damage nerves, increasing the risk.
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Inflammation: Conditions that cause swelling, like arthritis, can also contribute.
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Medications: Some studies suggest a link between certain medications, such as anastrozole for breast cancer, and CTS.
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Obesity: Carrying excess weight is another risk factor.
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Fluid Retention: Changes in body fluid levels, especially during pregnancy, can lead to temporary CTS.
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Workplace Environment: Jobs that involve repetitive wrist movements or using vibrating tools may increase the risk.
Consult our orthopaedic hospital in Pune if you need carpal tunnel syndrome therapies.
Prevention
While there’s no surefire way to prevent CTS, you can take steps to reduce strain on your wrists:
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Lighten Your Grip: Use a gentle touch when typing or handling tools.
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Take Breaks: Make it a habit to take short breaks to stretch and change activities throughout the day.
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Check Your Wrist Position: Keep your wrists in a neutral position and make sure your workspace is set up ergonomically.
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Focus on Posture: Maintain good posture to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your wrists and hands.
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Choose ergonomic tools: Use tools and a computer mouse that feel comfortable and support your wrist.
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Stay Warm: If you work in a cold environment, wearing fingerless gloves can help keep your hands warm and flexible.
Conclusion
Consulting with a healthcare professional at Manipal Kharadi can help determine the most suitable carpal tunnel treatment plan tailored to your needs. By being aware of the symptoms, causes, and preventive measures associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, you can take proactive steps to protect your wrist health.
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