Imagine that there are hundreds of very thin needles sticking in your fingers, wrists, and arms: This is one of the ways patients describe carpal tunnel syndrome, which can also cause tingling, numbness, pain, and burning in these parts of the body.
Fortunately, there are very effective treatments for this condition, both to alleviate the symptoms and to eliminate the cause of the problem itself. If you have been diagnosed with this syndrome or are experiencing some symptoms, here are 9 things that will help you better understand what is happening:
1. The whole problem boils down to just one nerve
Even though carpal tunnel syndrome can affect many fingers, the root of the problem is the compression of only one nerve, known as the median. Does this nerve come from the forearm and pass through a narrow canal located at the wrist? rightly called the "carpal tunnel".
This compression occurs by tunnel thickening or abnormal growth (swelling) of structures located in the region. As a result, there is a reduction in blood flow to the nerve, giving rise to symptoms.
2. Computer use is not the main cause of the syndrome.
Although constant computer use can cause some injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome is not usually one of them. These repetitive movements may even favor the onset of the problem, but only if you already have a predisposition.
Read also: Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon and generates pain in different parts of the body.
In fact, carpal tunnel thickening does not have a single specific cause and may even have a genetic origin. In addition, the syndrome may be the result of inflammation, fluid retention and even significant weight gain, as well as conditions such as pregnancy, menopause, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Without treatment, there may be permanent nerve damage.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome appear and subside and may disturb the patient to varying degrees each time they arise. When the problem is caused by something punctual, such as weight gain or pregnancy, it will disappear completely when the patient loses weight or gives birth.
However, in other cases, the syndrome usually worsens over time and permanently damages the median nerve if the patient does not receive appropriate treatment. Therefore, if you are experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention and correctly identify the causes behind the problem.
4. Common anti-inflammatory drugs offer momentary relief.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen and piroxicam, among others) help reduce carpal tunnel swelling, which will decrease nerve compression and relieve symptoms momentarily. However, these medications should not be used as a long term solution as they do not address the root of the problem.
Thus, it is always advisable to consult a doctor to know the best treatment options for your case and cure the syndrome once and for all. Remember that self-medication can have a number of unwanted side effects.
Also read: No more suffering! Learn how to ease work aches
5. Cold Packs May Help Reduce Symptoms
Making a cold compress can decrease inflammation around the median nerve and relieve pain and other symptoms related to carpal tunnel syndrome. For this you can apply a cold water bag in the region for 10 to 15 minutes, rest for 30 to 40 minutes and repeat the compress.
6. You may need to use a sleep splint
Spending a few hours with bent fists can hurt the carpal tunnel and make you wake up in a lot of pain. Therefore, it may be advisable to use a splint when you go to sleep, ensuring that your wrists are immobilized. Talk about this possibility with your doctor.
7. You may need to inject a medicine straight into your wrist.
When the other drug options have no effect, your doctor may recommend that you inject corticosteroids around the carpal tunnel. For patient comfort, this injection is done with a very fine needle.
For less severe cases of the syndrome, this treatment may even promote complete cure; and even the most advanced cases may benefit because the effect of corticosteroids lasts for months.
8. Surgery is the last treatment option and it works very well.
If it is not possible to relieve symptoms or completely cure the patient with less invasive treatments, surgery may be required to enlarge the carpal tunnel opening. It would be something like loosening a hole in a strap that is too tight, which relieves the pressure exerted around the median nerve.
Read also: The importance of stretching
Surgery can be done either traditionally, with an incision of about 5 cm, or endoscopically, which requires a much smaller incision to insert the instrument. This choice depends on the severity of the syndrome and often on health insurance coverage. Both are surgeries that last about 30 minutes.
9. Are there any ways to prevent this syndrome?
Even if the keyboard isn't the big villain, it's worth taking 5 to 10 minute breaks after spending an hour or two doing any repetitive manual work, including typing. Take the time to do these exercises, always with your arms straight forward:
- Fold your hand up as if you were making a stop sign. Flex and relax the wrist several times;
- Still in the stop position, use your other hand to gently push your fingers back. Hold for 10 seconds, release and repeat;
- Close your fingers, hold and release them completely, repeating the movements.
In addition, it is critical that your work environment is equipped with an ergonomic chair and table, footrest and armrest. Your whole body needs to be well aligned to prevent any part from being overloaded.
Keep in mind that if you already have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, prevention will not be enough. The best way to prevent a worsening condition is to seek professional care.
Brachial Plexus and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Mayo Clinic Radio (March 2024)
- Prevention and Treatment
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