Carpal Tunnel Syndrome... Early Intervention is Essential
(Fall 04)
Many people mistakenly associate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as a health risk for individuals who do a lot of keyboard work. Although this malady can be aggravated by typing, in reality, anyone whose work or hobby requires repetitive hand motions may be at risk. Classic carpal tunnel symptoms include numbness and a loss of feeling in the fingers, and difficulty grasping or keeping a firm grip. The development of carpal tunnel can be life-altering in that many of the simple, everyday tasks that are taken for granted, such as holding a coffee mug or driving, can become very difficult.
CTS develops over time and can be caused by a variety of factors. According to orthopedic surgeon, Stephen Hribar, M.D., "There is a narrow passageway, referred to as the carpal tunnel, that protects the main nerve to the hand and the nine tendons that bend the fingers. Anything that reduces the amount of space inside this tunnel causes pressure on the nerve. The best comparison is the sensation that occurs whenever your arm "falls asleep." Once you change position and remove the pressure from the nerve, the tingling subsides. With CTS, the pressure doesn’t readily subside due to the ongoing inflammation of the tissues within the tunnel. The result is numbness, pain and eventually hand weakness. In order for the symptoms to subside, the swelling must be significantly reduced."
Dr. Hribar adds, "Contrary to popular belief, not all CTS cases are caused by repetitive movements. Therefore it is important to discover the root cause of the inflammation because medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and certain hormonal disorders such as diabetes, thyroid conditions, menopause and fluid retention can cause CTS. Once the cause is established an appropriate treatment plan can be developed.
The good news is that only about one percent of individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome develop permanent injury. The majority recover completely and, with proper care, can avoid re-injury. Dr. Hribar notes, "Those who are prone to CTS can minimize symptoms by taking breaks, stretching, and using anti-inflammatory medications. Wearing a wrist splint at night and while performing repetitive motions will also help to ease the pain or numbness. The splint should be snug but not tight. In some instances, prescription strength anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone injections are used to reduce the swelling. There is also a surgical procedure that can relieve the pressure, however, only a small percentage of patients require surgery."
