Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the nerves that run through a small space in the wrist become compressed.
It’s a condition that can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, and other problems in your hand.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The majority of people who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome often have a combination of the following factors: (1)
- Arthritis
- Pregnancy is generally accompanied by fluid retention, which can compress the nerve (this is usually only temporary)
- Wrist fractures can reduce the amount of space in the carpal tunnel
- Congenital factors that cause some people to be born with smaller carpal tunnel than others
- Overuse injury from awkward postures or repetitive hand movements.
Basically anything that causes inflammation or swelling can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Numbness
- Pins and needles
- Pain, particularly at night
- Darting pains from the wrist
- Radiated or referred pain into the arm and shoulder
- Weakness of the hand
How to Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Make sure to treat your symptoms at home for 1-2 weeks before going to your doctor. It’s best to use these alternatives 2-4 times daily, as needed for carpal tunnel pain relief.
If you have a desk job or any hobby/job/profession that requires repetitive motion of the hands and wrists, but do not yet show signs of carpal tunnel pain, give this list a go. Perform these exercises, stretches, and therapies now to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome before it starts.