What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by the compression of the median nerve, which runs through a small channel in the wrist on the palm side. Under normal circumstances, there is very little pressure on the median nerve because the carpal tunnel is inflexible. It is surrounded by bone on three sides and tough ligament on the fourth side.
People with CTS experience numbness, tingling, and pain in the first three fingers of the affected hand (or hands). The pinky finger is usually spared, which often provides a valuable clue in the diagnosis of the condition.
CTS tends to be more prevalent among women than men. Any activities that involve highly repetitive use of the hands, especially flexion of the fingers, can result in CTS. People at risk include those who use computers, as well as carpenters, grocery checkers, assembly-line workers, meat packers, violinists and pianists, and mechanics. Hobbies such as gardening and needlework can sometimes bring on the symptoms, while sports such as rowing, golf, tennis, downhill skiing, archery, competitive shooting, and rock climbing also place pressure on the hand and wrist joints. In addition, the syndrome can be caused by underlying disorders that affect the carpal tunnel, including arthritis, thyroid problems, gout, and diabetes. Finally, pregnant women are at risk of developing CTS.
The nerve compression associated with CTS is due to fibrous bands of tissue that form inside the carpal tunnel, squeezing the median nerve. Although CTS is linked to repetitive stress, the underlying cause—which would explain why some people suffer from it and others don't—is unknown. Newer research has uncovered some of the chemical changes that occur in response to mechanical injury among people who suffer from CTS. Although CTS is technically a non-inflammatory condition (because there is no systemic inflammation and the immune system is not activated), it is characterized by localized increases in many pro-inflammatory chemicals in the tissue of the carpal tunnel itself. Treatment of CTS may include some of the following: stretching, ultrasound, acupuncture, ergonomic changes, wearing of a brace, laser and surgery.
People with CTS experience numbness, tingling, and pain in the first three fingers of the affected hand (or hands). The pinky finger is usually spared, which often provides a valuable clue in the diagnosis of the condition.
CTS tends to be more prevalent among women than men. Any activities that involve highly repetitive use of the hands, especially flexion of the fingers, can result in CTS. People at risk include those who use computers, as well as carpenters, grocery checkers, assembly-line workers, meat packers, violinists and pianists, and mechanics. Hobbies such as gardening and needlework can sometimes bring on the symptoms, while sports such as rowing, golf, tennis, downhill skiing, archery, competitive shooting, and rock climbing also place pressure on the hand and wrist joints. In addition, the syndrome can be caused by underlying disorders that affect the carpal tunnel, including arthritis, thyroid problems, gout, and diabetes. Finally, pregnant women are at risk of developing CTS.
The nerve compression associated with CTS is due to fibrous bands of tissue that form inside the carpal tunnel, squeezing the median nerve. Although CTS is linked to repetitive stress, the underlying cause—which would explain why some people suffer from it and others don't—is unknown. Newer research has uncovered some of the chemical changes that occur in response to mechanical injury among people who suffer from CTS. Although CTS is technically a non-inflammatory condition (because there is no systemic inflammation and the immune system is not activated), it is characterized by localized increases in many pro-inflammatory chemicals in the tissue of the carpal tunnel itself. Treatment of CTS may include some of the following: stretching, ultrasound, acupuncture, ergonomic changes, wearing of a brace, laser and surgery.
posted by Tom and Len | 9:52 PM
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