What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as median nerve compression, is caused when there is intensifying pressure on your median nerve. The median nerve runs through the length of your arm and through a passage in your wrist known as the carpal tunnel. It controls the movement in your thumb and every finger except the pinky, it also controls the feeling in your thumb.
What Does It Feel Like?
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome often start off slowly, gradually intensifying over time. These symptoms often include the following:
- Burning, itching, or tingling numbness in your fingers and hand. Your thumb and any finger except your pinky finger is susceptible to this feeling. This feeling may move up and also affect your arm over time. You may also feel a sensation similar to an electric shock in those fingers.
- Weakness in your hands, which can lead to you having trouble holding things and dropping them unexpectedly.
What Causes It?
As stated earlier, carpal tunnel syndrome happens when there is intensifying pressure on your median nerve. This is often caused by something narrowing your carpal tunnel and irritating the nerve. There are many different causes and there are cases where multiple causes are at play. Some of the more common causes are listed below:
- Wrist fractures
- Repetitive wrist motions, like typing
- Swelling from rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
- Pregnancy
How Can I Avoid It?
While there’s no guaranteed strategy to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome, there are a few steps you can take to decrease your risk of getting it.
- Keep your wrists straight as often as possible.
- Keep your hands warm as often as possible.
- Avoid repeated flexing or extension of your wrists.
- When partaking in activities like typing or gaming, take frequent breaks.
When to See a Doctor
If your carpal tunnel syndrome intensifies to the point where it interferes with your normal activities or your sleep schedule, then you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you just suspect you have it, see a doctor because permanent nerve and muscle damage may occur if the syndrome goes untreated.
If you would like to know more or you are looking for a primary care doctor, please contact Star City Medical for an appointment.