Carpel Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand, which houses the median nerve and tendons. People who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as typing on a computer or assembly line work, are more prone to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. However, it can also occur due to underlying health conditions like hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes. In some cases, the cause is unknown.

Symptoms: Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually start gradually and may initially be felt during the night. As the condition progresses, symptoms may become more constant and may be felt during the day as well. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may include:

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
• Pain or discomfort in the wrist or hand that may extend to the forearm and arm.
• Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to perform fine motor tasks like buttoning a shirt or holding small objects.
• A feeling of swelling or stiffness in the fingers, even if they do not appear swollen.
• Loss of grip strength, causing difficulty with tasks that require firm grasping or holding objects.

Causes: Some common causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:

• Repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as typing or using a computer mouse.
• Injury or trauma to the wrist or hand.
• Arthritis or other joint problems in the wrist.
• Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause.
• Obesity or being overweight, which can increase pressure on the median nerve.
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis.