Treating Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Will Prevent Nerve Damage in the Hand

Perhaps one of the most encouraging facts about being diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is that it is a highly treatable condition. However, it's extremely important to take active measures to treat symptoms as soon as possible in order to avoid permanent nerve damage in the hands and fingers from this rather common problem, and most especially if your occupation requires repetitive movements and repeated use of the hands and wrists.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The opening of space on the underside of the wrist known as the carpal tunnel is comprised of the wrist bone and a ligament, which connect to bones, called the transverse carpal ligament. Running through this opening, approximately the width of your thumb, is the median nerve, a sensory nerve that provides sensation to the muscles within the thumb, index and middle fingers, and half of the third or ring finger.

The smallest finger receives its sensation from another nerve branch.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is also known as nerve entrapment, as injury to the area causes the tunnel to become narrower from the swelling and pressure on the nerve. The longer the nerve is entrapped, the greater the chances are for nerve damage, making it imperative to being treatment immediately.

Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treating CTS may begin conservatively at first, provided the symptoms have just started, and include stopping or changing the activities or repetitive motions that may be causing the condition.

Smokers are strongly encouraged to quit and patients should reduce their caffeine intake and lose weight if needed as both of these have been known to contribute to one's risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome which is also more prevalent in women than men.

To reduce the internal swelling and pressure on the median nerve, anti-inflammatory medication, including oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, including ibuprofen are usually recommended.

Wearing a wrist brace in the very early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome is also effective for reducing symptoms as well as the risk of nerve damage. Wrist braces offer support and keep the joint in the proper position during activity and when worn at night, they help to prevent injury to the area and ease the pain and numbness that often worsens during the nighttime hours.

Physical therapy in the form of gentle exercises outlined by an occupational or physical therapist that improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles can also help to keep CTS at bay. Your doctor may also prescribe cortisone shots administered into the carpal tunnel which will temporarily help to reduce swelling and inflammation.

If all else fails, there are different types of surgical procedures done for treating carpal tunnel syndrome and providing relief from symptoms. While the methods of surgery may vary, the end goal is the same, to relieve the pressure on the carpal tunnel and allow for the optimal level of blood circulation to all of the nerves in the area.

Some surgical procedures will require full anesthesia, while others can be performed using a regional type of anesthesia, and both will require several weeks of recovery time, but surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome offers a rather favorable success rate provided care is taken afterward to prevent reinjuring this most delicate area.

Autor: Frank Barnett

Of course, the best treatment is always prevention. Avoiding the pain and long-term recovery of carpal tunnel syndrome may be as simple as modifying your workspace. The right combination of keyboard, mouse, and desk can help you be more productive with less pain.

You can find out more from Ergonomic Resources.

Added: January 21, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/