This is the signs of carpal tunnel. If you have a job that requires you to use your hands in a repetitive motion you are more likely to develop carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel symptoms can appear in the hand, fingers and your wrists.
Carpal tunnel is not just a disease by itself but a collection of symptoms that actually create the carpal tunnel. Most symptoms include tingling, numbness, burning, weakness and severe pain starting at your wrists and can go to the tips of your fingers. The first sign is usually a numbness or a burning sensation in one or more of your fingers. Some people may also suffer pain that travels up the forearm and into the shoulder, neck and chest.
With some people the pain may be sporadic while others may live with constant pain. All people will experience the pain differently. Some may only have one hand affected. Some people may experience more pain in the evenings or some in the mornings.
As the condition progresses you may find it difficult to make a fist. The fingernails may also begin to deteriorate and the affected areas may become discolored. You will soon experience weakness of the fingers as the muscles begin to deteriorate. You must see a doctor. If left untreated you may end up with permanent damage.
Your wrist is filled with nerves, blood vessels and tendons to control your finger’s movements. If you overwork your hands they can become swollen which decreases the blood supply to your fingers.
The most common cause of swelling is repetitive motion of your hands and fingers. The tissues may also swell with hormonal changes especially during pregnancy and menopause.
Injury and some diseases can also cause swelling around the carpal tunnel. Sprains, dislocations and fractures can all start the beginning of carpal tunnel. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause tendons to swell.
If you are already experiencing the symptoms of carpal tunnel you can prevent further damage by making a few simple lifestyle changes. If the pain is too severe or becomes more apparent see a doctor as soon as possible.
When symptoms appear and you are certain it is your job causing the issue, learn to take breaks to ease and relax your hands. If your employer has issues with your condition, seek help from your doctor. Try shaking your hands vigorously to loosen it up. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling and inflammation. Rely on over-the-counter pain medicine only when it is absolutely necessary. Purchase a splint with your doctors opinion on which to buy. A splint will help brace your wrist and provide relief from the pain.
If your carpal tunnel becomes too much to handle and you go to the doctor they will first make sure that it is the correct diagnosis. They will generally start you off with splinting and exercises as a treatment. If there is major inflammation they may use cortisone shots to help relieve the ailment. If these do not work prepare yourself for surgery. If there is too much damage done the surgery will help but will not completely restore and the symptoms may come back.
Carpal tunnel affects many individuals. You can try to avoid it by changing up some habits.
As with anything exercise and good nutrition is a must if you want a healthy lifestyle. Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
There are certain exercises that help increase the flexibility and strength of your wrists, hands and fingers. Talk with your doctor or go online and research for carpal tunnel hand exercises.
Take a break after 20 minutes. Relax and stretch your fingers and hands for a couple of minutes.
Don’t sleep with your hand tucked under your head. This compresses the wrist and if you suffer from even the slightest form of carpal tunnel this will cause more problems.
Try not to strain, reach or bend your wrists into unnatural positions. Don’t place your wrists on the edges of tables and desks. Slow down and be cautious with how you use your hands. If your job requires you to use power tools for long periods of time, make sure you take several breaks and try to vary the speed of the tool. Power tools give off vibrations that are very hard on your hands.
Watch how you grip an item. Don’t use only your fingers to grasp an object. Use your whole hand and try not to twist it when reaching. Also work on changing hands. This may take some getting used to.
Carpal tunnel is not something to mess with. Even if you are not showing any signs of it you should be cautious with how you use your hands.
Women’s health Desk Reference
First-Hand Knowledge
