Everyone uses their hands on a constant basis. From washing the dishes to typing an email, your hands are the driving force to accomplishing tasks. If there is pain or weakness in your hands, many tasks of your daily life can become difficult. Many times, carpel tunnel syndrome is a cause of this difficulty.
Carpel tunnel syndrome is caused when different activities and health conditions put excessive pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve passes through the carpel tunnel in the wrist. As activities are performed with the hands, the amount of space in the carpel tunnel decreases; and thus, the amount of tissue in the tunnel increases, which then increases the sensitivity of the median nerve.
Symptoms of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome include occasional tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain in your finger or hands. If you are experiencing any symptoms of carpel tunnel syndrome, try the following ways to reduce inflammation and to ease the pain.
Rest your fingers, hand, and wrist. If you are using your hands and the symptoms occur, take a break from those activities and give your hands a rest.
Sit up and keep the correct posture. Over time, as your head and shoulders slouch, they put more strain on your hands and can cause carpel tunnel syndrome.
Do not grip objects too tightly. This can add stress and pressure to the muscles and bones within your hand.
Take breaks regularly and move around. The more you move, the more your hands have a chance to rest and remove any strain.
Stay warm. Coldness can assist in causing carpel tunnel syndrome. Wear a pair of gloves or raise the temperature of the room to keep blood flowing throughout your hands and fingers.
While you are not using your hands, wear a wrist splint. This will keep the hand and fingers in a neutral position as it relieves pressure on your median nerve.
Massage therapy can help to relieve tension in the hand. Massage the hand and wrist to reduce any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Stop smoking. Smoking contributes to carpal tunnel syndrome as it negatively affects the blood flow to the median nerve. By reducing the amount of cigarettes you smoke, you lower your chance of carpel tunnel syndrome.
As an individual ages, they are more prone to carpel tunnel syndrome. Since no one can stop aging, it is important to be on the lookout for carpel tunnel syndrome symptoms in order to stop the illness early.
Although it has not been proven effective, acupuncture can help to reduce pain in the hand. Many individuals with carpel tunnel syndrome promote the use of acupuncture to ease any pain.
Carpel tunnel syndrome is more likely in an individual with obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, diabetes, lupus, or hypothyroidism. If you carry any of these illnesses, be on alert for the symptoms of carpel tunnel syndrome.
If you have broken any bones in your wrist or hand, the change in bone structure may put pressure on the median nerve and cause carpel tunnel syndrome.
Ask your doctor about medication to help treat the symptoms. Anti- inflammatory drugs can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Surgery may be needed to reduce the pain if non- surgical methods do not work.
PhysioDC
PhysioDC of Washington, D.C. (click here to visit site) helps patients recover, strengthen, and return to healthy living after they travel or on a day-to-day lifestyle. Located in downtown Washington, D.C., PhysioDC is an excellent resource to contact for all joint and body pain. For more information on physical therapy for your body, visit PhysioDC at www.physiodc.com.
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