Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Symptoms and Treatments Author: Julianna Bragg Website: Added: Fri, Sep 8, 2006 14:44:09 Category: Disease & Illness

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The median nerve that runs down the forearm can become pinched at the wrist, causing a medical condition known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  It can occur at any age, but is most common in people around 50, and is much more common in women than in men.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome causes numbness, tingling, pain, coldness and sometimes weakness in parts of the hand.

The first symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often first show up when you're trying to sleep. One of the most common symptoms is a burning and tingling in the finger tips known as paresthesia.  Paresthesia is most commonly presented in the thumb, and in the index and middle fingers.

Other symptoms include numbness, difficulty gripping and making a fist, dropping objects and weakness in your grip. The symptoms may progress if left untreated, causing even more pain and weakness, further restricting hand function.

Many carpal tunnel sufferers blame the tingling and numbness on their sleeping position, believing that restricted circulation has caused their hand to "fall asleep."

Most cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome don't have a single, designated cause, but one common factor is increased use of the hands in repetitive activities.  

There are several different ways to treat a patient with Carpal tunnel syndrome:

• Use a brace or splint to keep your wrist straight. During the two to six week (recommended) period of wearing a brace, modify your activities to eliminate the repetitive stress on the wrist joint.  In addition to a brace or splint, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can speed relief.
  
  
• Physiotherapy is a comprehensive way to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This includes a deep friction massage to reduce swelling that causes nerve compression, or ultrasonic therapy (most effective when used with other physiotherapy treatments).
  
  
• Localized steroid injections are effective in providing temporary relief, but surgery will probably be required to give most patients long-term relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  
  
• Avoid activities that put repetitive stress on your hands. Don't give up activity completely, but rest your hand(s)frequently avoid aggravating it.
  
  
• Dietary changes and supplements can provide the body with the nutrients needed to repair damaged nerves and help reduce inflammation. Vitamin B complex, amino acids and hypercium are all recommended.

Tylenol and other pain relievers give some temporary pain relief, but over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin, ibuprofen or Naproxen) can be useful in controlling symptoms.

About the Author:
Julianna Bragg is a free-lance writer for medical journals on many aspects of health with an emphasis on Women's Health.