What is carpal tunnel? Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by too much gripping or squeezing of the hand or wrist. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, pain, inability to open the hand, pain in the wrist or fingers, or numbness in the hand. If you suspect that you may have carpal tunnel, consult a doctor immediately.
There are two types , but the symptoms are often similar. If you are concerned that you may have , you should start by seeing your doctor to get a diagnosis and then follow the doctor’s recommendations to relieve the symptoms.
Symptoms include pain and numbness in the hand and wrist. When you hold the hand of someone else, the numbness may be apparent in the fingertips. The person with carpal tunnel syndrome may also experience some amount of pain when they move their hand, yet the pain is not debilitating.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can include numbness in both hands. When you hold a pen or pencil, the texture of the pen or pencil may feel uncomfortable. Sometimes the hand feels slightly cool to the touch.
When a patient is diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, he or she may be prescribed anti-seizure drugs to relieve the symptoms. When used on a consistent basis, these drugs may reduce or eliminate symptoms such as numbness.
A woman who has been pregnant, or a mother who is nursing may be caused by a bacterial infection. Women who are breastfeeding should contact their doctor before their baby’s arrival. The FDA has not approved the use of antibiotics to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.
Some elderly people can develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Persons who are older than 70 may also be diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Persons with severe carpal tunnel syndrome may need to have a hand and wrist x-ray and imaging tests before the doctors can diagnose them.
When you are getting treatment for your symptoms, you must not do anything that will actually weaken your muscles. Consult your doctor before you perform any activity that will increase your risk of injuring your wrist.
If your symptoms are severe, you may experience muscle tightness and/or numbness. Numbness may not be as severe in elderly persons.
There are three ways to treat . First, your doctor may start you on a drug regimen, or he may suggest some type of physical therapy, or he may instruct you to use a brace. Your doctor will suggest that therapy or combination of therapies will best help you reduce the symptoms.
Surgery may be necessary if your doctor believes your condition may have progressed into motor neuron disease. Muscle stimulation can be done surgically to relieve some of the symptoms. Bone and nerve stimulation may also be used. Physiotherapy can be helpful, but it cannot help treat the carpal tunnel syndrome completely.
