Understand How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Disorder Occurs

For you to understand carpal tunnel syndrome, you need first to know the anatomy of the wrist. There are four main components around the wrist, namely the median nerve, carpal bones, flexor tendons, transverse carpal ligament, and spaces between carpal bones called the carpal tunnel. When the median nerve is compressed or squeezed in the wrist, it results in pain and tingling of the hand. This condition is called carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve can cause severe pain if not treated and managed. Book an appointment with Westfield carpal tunnel specialists at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine. Below are the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The leading causes of carpal tunnel syndrome

Many conditions can affect your median nerve, including other hand components. When one component is affected, you have a high chance of getting carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of the causes include:

Injuries. Injuries are prevalent after an accident. Your hand can get injured, including your wrist joint. Since the median nerve passes via the joint, once it is damaged, it can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Excessive joint movement. When you use your hand repetitively, you are likely to feel pain in your wrist. Pain mainly occurs a few hours after finishing your job. According to research, most women who use their hands to wash clothes suffer from carpal tunnel more than other people. 

Heredity. Many people may not know that carpal tunnel syndrome can be inherited. If your closest family members, like your parents, had wrist problems, you are likely to suffer from them too. Your doctor can confirm it through medical files or DNA testing.

Diseases. Diseases are the leading causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. Disorders that interfere with the wrist include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and thyroid gland imbalance.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can heal itself after a few days or weeks. However, if the pain persists, you should seek the doctor’s attention for treatment. Below are ways of treating carpal tunnel syndrome.

1.     Medication. Pain killers will be offered to relieve pain before you undergo diagnosis. Curative drugs will then follow to repair your damaged nerves and soft tissues.

2.     Injection. The best way for pain relief is through injection. Your doctor may prefer an injection to oral medications.

3.     Home massage. Home treatment should be done with approval from the doctor. If your condition gets worse, you should see the doctor for other methods of treatment. Home remedies may help to treat non-severe carpal tunnel syndrome.

4.     Surgery. After diagnosis, your doctor can suggest either open or minimally invasive surgery, depending on the complexity of your disorder. Damaged tissue and nerves may be removed during the surgery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects both males and females. It is prevalent to the individuals doing hard work using their hands. Older adults can also be affected most because of the wear and tear of wrist tissues. Consult Genesis Regenerative Sports and Aesthetic Medicine center for treatment.