Common Signs and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as CTS, is a debilitating condition aggravated by constant and repetitive work that involves the use of the hand and wrist. People who develop CTS usually acquire the condition from work. The compression of the carpal tunnel results in the median nerve getting squeezed at the wrist and starts to manifest in the common signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Almost all patients with CTS have reported the same signs and symptoms particularly felt in the hands, wrist and forearm ” numbness, pain and weakness.
1. Numbness
The first symptom of CTS is numbness of the hands and fingers usually felt at night which results in frequent sleep interruptions. People with CTS have a misconception regarding the numbness of the hand and fingers…they continuously ignore the symptoms thinking that the numbness is caused by poor blood circulation due to an awkward position of the hands and wrist during sleep. But as time passes the symptoms become more severe and the frequency is increased. This is usually accompanied by the occasional tingling sensation.
2. Pain
The nerve, known as the median nerve, which passes through the carpal tunnel is surrounded by fibrous tissue and ligaments. When the space between the tissue and median nerve (the carpal tunnel) becomes compressed it places extreme pressure on the median nerve that results in pain to the affected wrist. Pain usually radiates from the wrist up to the forearms. In severe cases, pain may also be felt in the neck and upper part of the shoulder. Intermittent pain is indicative of a worsening case of CTS. If left untreated this could lead to permanent nerve damage.
3. Weakness/Muscle Atrophy
In severe cases, weakness of the hand is indicative of muscle atrophy. Loss of strength at the base of the thumb is frequently noted. Most patients notice a gradual decrease in muscle strength, as it progresses hand grip is also affected. They have a tendency to drop things and even simple task like holding a glass seems to be extremely difficult.
Those are the most common signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. If by any chance you start manifesting symptoms and it is becoming recurrent, you should immediately see a doctor. You will be instructed to take a series of tests on which your prognosis will be based. The doctor will also ask for a thorough medical history to rule out any underlying causes.
Management of CTS will involve carpal tunnel exercises, activity restrictions and wrist splints. Application of ice pack over the swollen area may help reduce inflammation. Analgesics and NSAIDs may be prescribed if swelling persists. You will also be asked to refrain from doing activities which exacerbates the present condition.
The complete rest of the affected hand and wrist might also help to cure carpal tunnel syndrome. Total immobilization of the hand is done by placing splints on the wrist to restrict movement of the hand and wrist. This would allow the swollen tissue around the median nerve to recover and reduce inflammation releasing the tension on the nerve.