Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is pain and tingling sensation felt wrists, thumbs and fingers. It is mainly caused by excessive pressure on the nerves that pass into the hands. According to NHS carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women then in men; 7% to 1%. carpal tunnel syndrome can happen in any age but mostly in those over 40.
This kind of pain happens in the nerves, not muscles. The pain caused by this condition can be unbearable.
Working with vibrating tools/equipment for any length of time could cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Cause
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by a number of factors such as excessive pressure on the median nerve and tendons or problems with the nerve itself. Size of the carpal tunnel is smaller in some people which may cause it to be easily pressured. Other causes such as trauma or injury to the wrist, awkward working position which results in the median nerve being injured, repeated use of vibrating hand tools. However there are other medical reasons why someone might suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, in which case it is advisable to seek advice from your general practitioner.
Repeated hand motion can lead to other repetitive strain injuries such as bursitis and tendonitis. carpal tunnel syndrome may show similar symptoms has writers cramp, ache and pressure in the forearms and fingers and other aches as a result of repetitive hand movement, these are not pattern of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptom
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome will vary depending on the pressure on the median nerve. These pains tends worsen at night, but are also noticed during daily activities. Driving and holding things may be painful.
More specific symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are,
- Pain and ache in the hand and lower forearm
- Tingling or burning sensation in your thumb, forefinger, middle finger and the half of your ring finger nearest to your thumb
- If worse numbness in these fingers and palm
- Weakening of the affected hand, especially the thumb
Prevention
It may be difficult to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome since most times it is caused after an injury to the wrist. However, previous medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. If any other medical conditions are affecting the hand with carpal tunnel syndrome it may help to receive treatment for that specific condition.
Though using jerky hand tools hasn’t been medically proven as a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, it would certainly help to adhere to some good working practice.
- While using commuter for a long period of time, make sure that you are working on correctly set up work station.
- Use a wrist rest if necessary and take regular break.
- If you have weight problems which may put more pressure on your wrist on a daily basis while performing certain activity, it may help to look at your diet and make some adjustments.
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