Although highly repetitive wrist movements appear to be correlated with the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, other factors, such as medical conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease and pregnancy, may be even more important.
Once carpal tunnel is determined, there are a variety of treatments. | |
- Tingling or numbness in part of the hand (thumb, index, middle or ring fingers)
- Sharp pains that shoot from the wrist up the arm
- Burning sensations in the fingers
- Morning stiffness or cramping of hands
- Thumb weakness
- Frequently dropping objects
- Waking at night with hand pain and numbness
- Numbness in hand while driving
The diagnosis of carpal tunnel is suggested by the symptoms listed above. However, not everyone with these symptoms has this condition. Other conditions which cause these symptoms include arthritis or disc disease in the vertebrae of the neck, general problems with peripheral nerves and a compression syndrome of the median nerve closer to the spinal cord than the wrist.
To reduce pain in a mother whose condition hasn't disappeared or in any other sufferer, a specialist or orthopedic surgeon may inject a small dose of cortisone into the wrist.
Persistent carpal tunnel may require surgery that can be performed on an out-patient basis. The procedure is not complex, involving only a small incision made in the palm of the hand near the wrist. As the ligament heals, scar tissue will increase the ligament's elasticity by approximately 25 percent. This procedure allows patients to resume routine tasks within about four to six weeks.
- Reducing salt intake allows the body to retain less fluid
- Change positions frequently
- Take regular work breaks
- Vary repetitive tasks to help avoid tweaking the same sore spots continuously
Pregnant women who develop CTS are not likely to develop this condition again – unless, of course, there is another pregnancy – because the problem usually clears up after delivery. For women who have experienced symptoms prior to their pregnancy, it is possible the problem won't go away and you may need to visit your physician.
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