When the median nerve is compressed, the symptoms can include numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and arm. The anatomy of your wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive hand motions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Essentially, the syndrome is the result of a pinched , or compressed, nerve. And it is one of the most common ailments suffered by people, especially with so many working with keyboards and computers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually caused by a combination of factors.
Older people and women are more likely to develop the condition, according to studies done. In addition, certain health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid gland imbalances are conditions that have been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. But the three major risk factors that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome are heredity, repetitive hand use, and hand and wrist position, according to the AAOS :. Image courtesy of Blausen.
WikiJournal of Medicine 1 2. ISSN Own work [ CC BY 3. The nerve provides sensation to some of the fingers, including the thumb. Excessive pressure to the wrist can compress the median nerve. This may occur due to a wrist injury, repetitive movements, or rheumatoid arthritis. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke , people with diabetes have a higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
It also states that females are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than males. Doctors can usually treat carpal tunnel fairly easily.
People may find that consistently practicing the above exercises for 6—8 weeks helps relieve symptoms. If hand exercises are ineffective in easing symptoms, wearing a splint when symptoms worsen, such as during the night, may help. In some cases, individuals may need a steroid injection in the wrist to provide longer-lasting relief. If an underlying condition is causing carpal tunnel syndrome, such as diabetes or arthritis , treating or managing the condition may help.
Hand exercises may help alleviate mild symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome or help prevent it from developing due to repetitive, everyday movements. If people have persistent symptoms of carpal tunnel, they may wish to speak with a doctor, who may advise other treatments alongside physical therapy. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes tingling, burning, itching, or numbness in the hand, when the median nerve of the wrist becomes compressed.
So, exercises like planks, push-ups, snatches, mountain climbers, burpees, and, yep, overhead squats could worsen the symptoms. If you have carpal tunnel, your doctor may advise you to cut back on exercises that put your wrist in that position or to perform them on your first, says Dr.
Pro tip: if that hurts your finger or knuckles, consider adding an ab mat or folded towel beneath your hand for comfort. Or just do forearm planks instead. Badia notes that a lot of cyclists come into his office with wrist complaints: "If you have carpal tunnel and you don't keep your wrist neutral while you ride and instead are extending your wrist constantly, it's going to exacerbate the symptoms. If you think you have carpal tunnel, call up an expert. There are a few carpal tunnel tests they might do to diagnosis you.
The Tinel's Test involves tapping the inside of the wrist right at the base of the thumb, explains Dr. If a shooting pain radiates into the hand, it's an indication that you may have carpal tunnel. The Phalan's Test involves putting the backs of your hands and fingers together in front of you with fingers pointing downward for 90 seconds, says Dr.
If the sensation in fingers or hand changes, that means you might indeed have carpal tunnel syndrome. Other docs will go right to the third option: an electromyography or EMG test. It might sound obvious, but if your doctor thinks an underlying condition like diabetes or thyroid dysfunction is the cause, those should be treated first. Beyond that, there are surgical and non-surgical treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Typically, the first line of action is to wear a brace during activities that bring on symptoms like biking, yoga, sleeping, etc and to non-surgically reduce any inflammation with things like ice packs and OTC anti-inflammatory meds, says Dr. At the very early stages. Badia says vitamin B supplements may even help. If none of these "easy" fixes work, your doc may recommend a cortisone injection or surgery.
Deficiencies of B-complex vitamins can cause numbness and tingling in the extremities, worsening your current symptoms of numbness and tingling. Spinach, chicken, oranges, cantaloupe, cauliflower and bananas provide a rich supply of B6. While there are no proven methods of preventing CTS, there are steps you can take to reduce pain and manage symptoms while maintaining your current training schedule. Focus on full-body movements and cardio classes, get the go-ahead from your doc, and consider what changes you can make in your diet to help reduce pain and swelling pre- and post-workout.
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