Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when one of the hand’s major nerves is compressed as it paves its way through the wrist. This condition causes the hand and arm to feel pain, tingling, and numbness.
In most cases, if the condition is left untreated it can get worse over time. Early diagnosis and treatment are highly recommended to relieve the symptoms. The treatment may require simple methods, such as limiting certain activities, or wearing a hand splint.
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects millions of people every year. However, despite the high percentage rate, there are still a lot of misconceptions about the condition and how the treatment should look.
Now it’s time to get those misconceptions straight, sp here are the five facts you should know about carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Repetitive motion is not the only cause of carpal tunnel syndrome
The condition can be caused by repetitive hand movements, but it is not the main reason why people suffer carpal tunnel. There are other proven causes, including:
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- Genes – carpal tunnel is hereditary. A person may acquire small carpal tunnel which makes the area more prone to inflammation. If your parents had carpal tunnel, you may be more susceptible to the condition.
- Other medical conditions – some medical conditions may trigger carpal tunnel including thyroid problems, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Injuries such as fractures, or hand sprains may also cause carpal tunnel.
- Gender – carpal tunnel is more common in women, older adults and pregnant women, this is because most women have a smaller sized carpal tunnel.
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Carpal tunnel is not a very serious condition
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition of the wrist and hand, the pain is caused by inflamed, or swollen ligaments and tendons, which put pressure on the median nerve.
This type of condition is not considered as a serious ailment because the pain can be relieved with proper treatment and early diagnosis. However, without any treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome can permanently damage your thumb muscles. It is important to immediately visit your physician to prevent it from getting worse.
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Surgery is not the only treatment for carpal tunnel
Early treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is highly recommended by hand therapists as it decreases your chances for surgery. Non-invasive treatment options may effectively treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Your physician may require you to wear a brace, or splint to keep your hand, or wrist in a stable position, take anti-inflammatory medications and reduce your hand movements.
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Carpal tunnel gets worse especially at night
Most people with carpal tunnel complain that the condition often gets worse at night. This is because the lying down position whilst sleeping and the reduced movement lead to an accumulation of fluid in the hand and arm. When this occurs, it puts a lot of pressure on the median nerve.
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Carpal tunnel does not heal on its own
It is advisable to seek professional medical help as early as possible before the condition gets worse. Carpal tunnel syndrome does not heal on its own, especially for people whose job requires a lot of hand movements.
Learn more about carpal tunnel treatment in Miami
Hands on Therapy Services provides certified hand therapy (CHT) services for all types of shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries in Miami. Our mission is to provide you with the best health and overall well-being services. With our help, you will be able to receive proper answers regarding your health questions that will help you fully recover.
Do you want to find out more about Hands On Therapy Clinic and our carpal tunnel treatment in Miami? Contact Us to find out what we can do for you!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
