Carpal Tunnel: Symptoms, Exercises, Test and Treatment

• Prickling and tingling
• Loss of sensitivity in the wrist
• Numbness in the wrist
• Weakness while using the hand
• Wrist pain
• Wrist swelling ^[2]

Symptoms usually appear gradually and the problems tend to worsen at night.

It is caused by pressure on the median nerve (nervus medianus). The 7 risk factors tell you who is most at risk of problems and whether you are at risk yourself.

Carpal Tunnel Risk Factors

• Wrist fracture
  If you have had a fracture or injury to your wrist in the past, this can lead to problems.
• Certain diseases
  Rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes can lead to inflammation.
• Repeated movements of the hand and wrist
  For example, when working on a keyboard, doing assembly work or using vibrating tools such as a drill. _[3]
• Being overweight or obese
  They can cause increased pressure on the nerves.
• Hereditary predisposition
  Some people may have a smaller or narrower carpal tunnel than others. Or you may have someone in your family who has also suffered from this syndrome.^[4]

Women are three times more likely to suffer than men, so being a female is also a risk factor. ^[5]

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy

These problems in pregnancy are related to fluid retention in the body during this period and swelling of the ligament of the wrist. Due to this, irritation of the median nerve occurs, and women have difficulties. After childbirth, the issue usually goes away on its own. Patients describe the situation as if the syndrome suddenly disappeared. ^[6]

Carpal Tunnel: Acute and Chronic

The acute form  is not very common. A sudden increase in carpal tunnel pressure is usually caused by an accident, burn or infection. On the other hand, the chronic form, i.e. the long-term duration of wrist problems, is much more common. Patients can have symptoms for months or years. ^[7]

Which Doctor Solves Disease – Diagnostics in a Nutshell

With problems that are typical of syndrome, you can visit a general practitioner, neurologist or orthopedist. The attending physician will be interested in an accurate description of the problems, when the pain occurs, what brings you relief and how long the problems last. ^[8]

• Finger and wrist palpation
  It is important for the diagnosis. The doctor uses it to determine the sensitivity and strength of the hand.
• Ultrasound scan
  The doctor gets an overview of the condition of the wrist from the inside.
• X-ray examination
  It can help by detecting other diseases that may manifest similarly to the syndrome.
• Electromyographic examination (EMG)
  It measures nerve conductivity and can not only confirm the diagnosis but also determine its severity.^[9]

Carpal tunnel ointment

Patients often ask in pharmacies and surgeries if there are any “home remedies” for this syndrome. Ointments – such as those containing menthol – can provide pain relief. ^[13] Another option is ointments with various herbal extracts applied to the wrist and hand. Either a doctor or a pharmacist can advise on their selection.

Dietary supplements

• A proper diet can alleviate the symptoms.
• Limit foods that promote inflammation. For example, foods high in sugar, meat products with high amounts of unhealthy fats, fried and salted foods).
• Include fish, vegetables, nuts, fruits and herbs in your diet.
• Dietary supplements containing vitamin B12, B6 and omega-3 fatty acids. ^[14]

How to deal with swelling after surgery?

Carpal tunnel surgery, like any other surgery, has certain risks. For example, there may be an infection or swelling at the site of surgery. Any complications in the healing process should be discussed with your doctor who will determine the most appropriate course of action. ^[17] In general, cold compresses, for example, help with swelling . ^[18]

Prevention and exercise in for this syndrome

The principles of a prevention can be summarized in 5 points.

• Reduce pressure. In many everyday activities, you unconsciously push on your wrist with great force without needing to. These include, for example, holding a computer mouse too tightly, typing on a keyboard or holding a steering wheel.
• Practice relaxation exercises. Repeat them throughout each day.
• Make sure your whole body posture is correct. Problems are also affected by the position of the head, shoulders and cervical spine.
• Wear gloves. Be sure to wear them when working in the cold.
• Customize your work environment. Arrange your working environment so that it is comfortable and you don’t have to make unnatural movements with your hands. ^[19]

Exercise can relieve you of unpleasant pain. Try 5 simple exercises that can be done even when you’re sitting at your desk or waiting for the bus.

• Repeatedly clench and open your fist. Repeat the exercise several times.
• Raise your arms above your head to allow for better blood flow. ^[20]
• Gently bend your wrists up and down.
• Place your palm on the table and place your other hand perpendicularly over the back of your hand. Lift the wrist and fingers of the bottom hand, applying downward pressure with the other hand.
• Squeeze a small foam ball repeatedly in the palm of your hand. ^[21]

Yoga also offers inspiration for further stretching exercises and training in correct upper body posture. Take advice from a qualified yoga teacher who will demonstrate the exercises so you can do them correctly. ^[22]