Signs and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel

The carpal tunnel is the narrow section of the palm surrounded by ligaments and bones. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition characterized by pressure on the wrist median nerve.

The condition causes numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the arm, hand, and fingers. Repetitive hand motions, health problems, and the wrist anatomy can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

It is vital to find out the signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) usually occurs when the inner wrist swells up and squeezes the median nerve. The risk factors that can cause CTS include:

• Being overweight
• Pregnancy
• Repetitive hand motions

Activities that lead to repeated bending of the wrist or gripping hard can cause the condition. Other risk factors are diabetes or arthritis, previous wrist injuries, and having a family member with CTS. 

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are several symptoms of CTS. They include numbness in the hands and pain in the arm, hand, or fingers. Other symptoms are tingling or a sensation of pins and needles and difficulty gripping, or a weak thumb. 

The nerve controls the pinching muscles of the thumb. The sensations often travel from the wrist up to the arm. The symptoms start gradually, and they usually come and go. They tend to be worse when you sleep. 

Reducing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

While there are no techniques to prevent CTS, there are ways to reduce stress on the hands and wrists. Relaxing your grip or reducing the force you use when working can help. It also helps to take frequent breaks when performing repetitive tasks. 

Gently stretching and bending the hands and wrists while working can help. Improving your posture can also help relax the muscles. Keeping the hands warm can help prevent or reduce CTS. 

Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

In many cases, CTS symptoms go away in a few months without medical intervention. There are several things that you can do to reduce the symptoms. Wearing a wrist splint can help relieve nerve pressure. 

It also helps to avoid or reduce the activities that may be causing the issue. Painkillers can help to reduce pain, but they do not deal with the underlying cause and could be addictive in the long-run. There are also hand exercises that can help ease the symptoms.

Visiting a Chiropractor

If your home CTS remedies fail to work, it is a good idea to visit a chiropractor. Non-invasive chiropractic care treats the condition, which means that you may not need surgery. 

The care will help treat the symptoms and the underlying cause. The chiropractor will examine your condition before coming up with the best treatment plan. Chiropractic care offers a long-term solution for CTS sufferers. 

A specialist will diagnose your condition by asking about your symptoms and examining your hand. Some tests can help determine if you have CTS. 

For more signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel, contact Ross Clinic at our office in Huntsville, Alabama. You can call us at (256) 539-9407 today to schedule an appointment.