Pinpoint your pain: carpal tunnel syndrome and deqervian's disease
Here is some information on a few common RSIs and their causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention. RSIs are easy to prevent. Educate yourself to reduce your chances for developing a RSI. As always, if you have chronic pain anywhere, see your doctor.Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common problem of the wrists and hands. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by irritation of the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, the carpal tunnel and into the hand to supply sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. The median nerve also supplies sensation to the thenar muscles (muscles of the thumb). The carpal tunnel is an opening into the hand made up of the bones of the wrist on the bottom and the transverse carpal ligament on top. Carpal Tunnel Syndrom is caused by any activity that puts repeated pressure on the median nerve. Such conditions can include repetitive actions of the hands and wrists such as typing, arthritis, a wrist fracture that heals abnormally, or anything that puts excessive pressure on the median nerve.Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can include burning pain, numbness and tingling of the hand that often runs up the arm to the neck, clumsiness and weakness in the affected hand and pain and numbness often worse at night. Another important sign is deterioration of the muscles that move the thumb. This is potentially serious and a medical professional should be consulted immediately. If left untreated, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can progress to the point of limiting thumb opposition and movement, which can result in not being able to perform simple tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or holding a pencil.
People at risk for developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include computer users, people with occupations that include repetitive wrist motions, pregnant women (due to fluid retention and joint swelling), people of 50 years of age or older, and smokers (due to decreased circulation).
Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome includes taking breaks from repetitive tasks, doing stretching and strengthening ergocises for the wrists and hands, adopting an ergonomic workstation arrangement, and by practicing proper posture at the computer and proper wrist alignment while doing computer work.
Self Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in its early stages includes rest, wearing a simple brace, taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, doing stretching and strengthening ergocises for the wrists and hands, keeping proper wrist alignment while doing computer work, practicing proper posture at the computer, and adopting an ergonomic workstation arrangement. In addition, massaging the area to help flush out irritating waste read more
