Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common problem that can affect people who spend many hours at a keyboard or other repetitive hand movements. It’s characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and wrists. This blog post will explore what CTS is, how it develops, and some treatments for it.
Types of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are two types of CTS: primary and secondary. Primary CTS occurs on its own, without any other underlying cause of carpal tunnel syndrome development (although certain risk factors may make someone more likely to develop the condition). Secondary CTS is caused by another medical problem or condition, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The symptoms of carpal tunnel are pain and numbness in the hands and fingers that’s often worse at night. This is because when you’re resting your muscles, they tighten up; this can cause pressure on the median nerve and increase your symptoms. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may also be worse in the morning when you first wake up because your hands and wrists have been at rest all night, increasing pressure on the median nerve.
Signs that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is Getting Worse
If signs that point to carpal tunnel syndrome are not treated early, they can get progressively more difficult to treat. So if you are experiencing numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands and fingers that is getting worse over time, it’s important to work with a medical professional to determine the cause of these symptoms.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, there are several treatments available for you. Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include medication, changing your activities to reduce strain on the wrist, and wearing a brace or splint at night while you sleep so that it’s easier to rest your hands and prevent more pressure from being placed on the median nerve. Keep in mind that the right treatment may vary based on what causes your carpal tunnel.
Treatments You Can Try Yourself
While medications are available to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, there are some things you can do at home to help manage your symptoms. Make sure that when typing or doing other hand movements throughout the day, you take breaks from activity and stretch out your hands and fingers. This will keep pressure off of the median nerve so it doesn’t get pinched by surrounding tissues in your wrist.
If you are struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome, Midwest Pain Clinics in Omaha offers the treatment you need to manage your discomfort and treat the condition. To book an appointment with our hand specialist in Omaha, NE, give us a call.
Not sure if it is time to see a professional? Read Signs You Need to See a Pain Management Doctor.
