Carpal tunnel syndrome

Pinched nerve in the neck or lower back

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:47:00 +0000

A pinched nerve in the neck or lower back can be caused by a herniated disc, arthritis, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal through which the nerves pass with the spine. A pinched nerve in the lower back or buttock can compress the sciatic nerve, which can cause sciatica.

What causes a pinched nerve?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:46:00 +0000

A pinched nerve is caused when a nerve is somehow damaged or injured by direct pressure or compression and is unable to properly conduct its signal. There are many potential causes for a pinched nerve, depending on the location of the nerve.

Introduction to pinched nerve

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 13:43:00 +0000

Nerves are like electrical cords that carry information from the brain to the rest of the body and vice-versa. They are distributed throughout the entire body.

Motor (efferent) nerves carry information from the brain out to the body. This allows the brain to send commands to the various organs of the body. For example, these commands are sent to the muscles causing them to contract and move, or sends information to the heart to either beat faster or slower.
Sensory (afferent) nerves send information from the body back to the brain for processing, including information about pain, touch, taste, temperature, or other sensations.

The information travels along the nerve by an electrochemical signal, much like information traveling along an electrical cord. When a nerve is pinched, the signal is interrupted somewhere along its path.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome facts

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:38:00 +0000

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by irritation of the median nerve at the wrist.
Any condition that exerts pressure on the median nerve can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness and tingling of the hand.
Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected based on symptoms, supported by physical examination signs, and confirmed by nerve conduction testing.
Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause.

What is the prognosis for carpal tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:36:00 +0000

The outlook is generally excellent as carpal tunnel syndrome usually responds to the conservative measures reviewed above. Sometimes surgical operation is necessary and residual weakness can occur.

What are complications of carpal tunnel syndrome?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:35:00 +0000

Complications of carpal tunnel syndrome are uncommon but include atrophy and weakness of the muscles at the base of the thumb in the palm of the hand. This can be a permanent complication if not corrected early enough. This can lead to lack of dexterity of the affected fingers.

What is the treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome? Can carpal tunnel syndrome be prevented?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 13:33:00 +0000

The choice of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of the symptoms and any underlying disease that might be causing the symptoms.

Initial treatment usually includes rest, immobilization of the wrist in a splint, and occasionally ice application. Those whose occupations are aggravating the symptoms should modify their activities. For example, computer keyboards and chair height may need to be adjusted to optimize comfort. These measures, as well as periodic resting and range of motion stretching exercise of the wrists can actually prevent the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that are caused by repetitive overuse. Underlying conditions or diseases are treated individually. Fractures can require orthopedic management. Obese individuals will be advised regarding weight reduction. Rheumatoid disease is treated with measures directed against the underlying arthritis. Wrist swelling that can be associated with pregnancy resolves in time after delivery of the baby.

Several types of medications have been used in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been reported to relieve some symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, although it is not known how this medication works. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be helpful in decreasing inflammation and reducing pain. Side effects include gastrointestinal upset and even ulceration of the stomach. These medications should be taken with food, and abdominal symptoms should be reported to the doctor. Corticosteroids can be given by mouth or injected directly into the involved wrist joint. They can bring rapid relief of the persistent symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Side effects of these medications, when given in short courses, for carpal tunnel syndrome are minimal. However, corticosteroids can aggravate diabetes and should be avoided in the presence of infections.

Most patients with carpal tunnel syndrome improve with conservative measures and medications. Occasionally, chronic pressure on the median nerve can result in persistent numbness and weakness. In order to avoid serious and permanent nerve and muscle consequences of carpal tunnel syndrome, surgical treatment is considered. Surgery involves severing the band of tissue around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. This surgical procedure is called "carpal tunnel release." It can now be performed with a small diameter viewing tube, called an arthroscope, or by open wrist procedure. After carpal tunnel release, patients often undergo exercise rehabilitation. Though it is uncommon, symptoms can recur.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:32:00 +0000

The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected based on the symptoms and the distribution of the hand numbness. Examination of the neck, shoulder, elbow, pulses, and reflexes can be performed to exclude other conditions that can mimic carpal tunnel syndrome. The wrist can be examined for swelling, warmth, tenderness, deformity, and discoloration. Sometimes tapping the front of the wrist can reproduce tingling of the hand and is referred to as Tinel's sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms can also at times be reproduced by the examiner by bending the wrist forward (referred to as Phalen's maneuver).

The diagnosis is strongly suggested when a nerve conduction velocity test is abnormal. This test involves measuring the rate of speed of electrical impulses as they travel down a nerve. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the impulse slows as it crosses through the carpal tunnel. A test of muscles of the extremity, electromyogram (EMG), is sometimes performed to exclude or detect other conditions that might mimic carpal tunnel syndrome.

Blood tests may be performed to identify medical conditions associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. These tests include thyroid hormone levels, complete blood counts, and blood sugar and protein analysis. X-ray tests of the wrist and hand might also be helpful to identify abnormalities of the bones and joints of the wrist.

What conditions and diseases cause carpal tunnel syndrome?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:30:00 +0000

For most patients, the cause of their carpal tunnel syndrome is unknown. Any condition that exerts pressure on the median nerve at the wrist can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Common conditions that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include obesity, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, arthritis, diabetes, and trauma. Tendon inflammation resulting from repetitive work, such as uninterrupted typing, can also cause carpal tunnel symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive maneuvers has been referred to as one of the repetitive stress injuries. Some rare diseases can cause deposition of abnormal substances in and around the carpal tunnel, leading to nerve irritation. These diseases include amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, multiple myeloma, and leukemia.

What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:29:00 +0000

Anatomy similar to that of the wrist and hand exists in the ankle and foot. Tarsal is a word derived from the Latin word for "ankle." When the sensory nerve that passes through the tarsal tunnel is irritated by pressure in the tunnel, numbness and tingling of the foot and toes can be felt. This condition is referred to as "tarsal tunnel syndrome." Tarsal tunnel syndrome is analogous to, but far less common, than carpal tunnel syndrome. It is treated similarly.

Nerve Tests and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:50:00 +0000

Nerve tests are sometimes used to check median nerve function when symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are present. The nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test measures the speed of electricity as it moves through a nerve. An electromyogram (EMG) records the electrical activity of nerves and muscles, which shows nerve or muscle disorders.

If you have carpal tunnel symptoms, nerve tests may or may not be appropriate for you. Before you have nerve tests, think about the following:

Nerve tests are not helpful in every case. A few people with carpal tunnel syndrome have normal nerve test results.
When work-related carpal tunnel syndrome is evaluated, nerve tests are almost always done.
Nerve tests are usually completed before surgery is done. Nerve tests may confirm a diagnosis and thus prevent unnecessary surgery. If there is nerve damage, surgery may be considered to prevent permanent damage.

Wrist Care: Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:47:00 +0000

If you spend a lot of time doing activities that involve forceful or repetitive hand or wrist movement or use of vibrating equipment, you have an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. These activities can include driving, working with small instruments, knitting, or using a sander. You can reduce your risk—and any hand pain or weakness you may already have—by taking a few simple steps.

Key points

Many health conditions and diseases make you more likely to get carpal tunnel symptoms. But if you exercise, stay at a healthy weight, control other health conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, and avoid smoking, you can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
Arranging your activity and work space using ergonomic guidelines can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Office ergonomics focuses on how a workstation is set up, including the placement of your desk, computer monitor, paperwork, chair, and associated tools, such as a computer keyboard and mouse. The same ideas can help you arrange your position for other daily activities.
Proper body mechanics are key to preventing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Evaluate your daily routine for activities that increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Take frequent breaks from activities to rest, stretch, change positions, or alternate with another activity

Who Is Affected by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:44:00 +0000

Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women than in men.

There has been an increase in work-related cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. This may be because of greater awareness about the condition and because many people at work use forceful or repetitive hand movements (such as performing assembly-type work) or have hand-arm vibration, all of which may be related to carpal tunnel syndrome. Obesity, smoking, and medical conditions such as pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and diabetes can also contribute to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially when combined with forceful or repetitive hand and wrist movement or the use of vibrating equipment.

When compared with other illnesses and injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common causes of absences from work. It is most often found in people whose jobs require repeated motions, especially people who work on assembly lines in industries such as manufacturing.

Vitamin B6 for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:43:00 +0000

Some people who have carpal tunnel syndrome have been found to have a vitamin B6 deficiency. The U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B6 ranges from 1.3 mg for adults through age 50 to 2 mg for breast-feeding women.

Researchers have had mixed results when studying vitamin B6 supplements to help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. One study found that 200 mg to 300 mg a day is effective in the treatment of carpal tunnel symptoms, and other studies found no link between vitamin B6 levels and carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms or their improvement in automotive plant workers.

Most people can get a healthy amount of vitamin B6 from their regular daily diet. Top vitamin B6 sources include fortified breakfast cereals, garbanzo and other beans, meat, poultry, fish, potatoes, and bananas.

Using supplements with caution

High doses of vitamin B6 can cause nerve damage (neuropathy). The Institute of Medicine has established an upper safe limit of 100 mg a day for adults. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin B6 supplements for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Pregnancy: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:39:00 +0000

Tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands are common during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. These problems are usually caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, and they usually go away after pregnancy.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a specific group of symptoms that can include tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers, thumb, hand, and occasionally in the arm. These symptoms occur when there is pressure on the median nerve within the wrist.

The carpal tunnel is a small space or "tunnel" in the wrist formed by the wrist bones (carpal bones) and a ligament (transverse carpal ligament). The median nerve and several tendons pass through the carpal tunnel from the forearm to the hand. The median nerve controls some movements of the thumb, and this nerve supplies feeling to most of the thumb and to the index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when a combination of health conditions and activities puts pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. Anything that decreases the amount of space in the carpal tunnel increases the amount of tissue in the tunnel, or increases the sensitivity of the median nerve can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

The swelling that is common in pregnancy can crowd structures in the tunnel and lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, especially when combined with forceful or repetitive hand and finger movement or the use of vibrating equipment.

If your symptoms are not severe, expect your health professional to recommend nonsurgical treatment to see whether symptoms improve. Nonsurgical treatment includes:

Changing or avoiding activities that may be causing symptoms, and taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks.
Wearing a wrist splint to keep your wrist straight, usually just at night. Doing exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the hand and arm.
Learning ways to protect your joints as you go through your daily activities.

Unless carpal tunnel symptoms become intolerable, a pregnant woman should delay surgery until after childbirth. After delivery, symptoms often disappear without treatment when pregnancy-related fluid buildup is relieved.

Can You Really Instant Relief From Carpal Tunnel Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 06:44:00 +0000

Would not it be great to get immediate relief from carpal tunnel syndrome? We are all looking for the easiest, instant healing, something quick, easy and cheap.

And when you have pain, rapid relief would be great! Who wants to wait when you're wrong? But the truth is that it took some time for you to get to this point. It will take some time for you to get rid of your pain. (But you can do.)

There are many products, many who say they give an instant remedy or work very quickly. It would be great! But you know what? That most likely will not work. Why not?

Well, your body follows certain natural laws. When "something" that occurs when another "something" that is directly linked to follow. This means that "something" is causing pain, numbness or tingling in the hand and wrist. And this is not only usually in the wrist.

The carpal tunnel joins the rest of your body. Not just this tiny little doll all alone by himself. It requires no adjustment or something stretching or movement, heat or cold can make the pain go away.

There are many causes of pain in your hand and wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome is often misdiagnosed. Sometimes, doctors say, "You have carpal tunnel syndrome, when you really do not. It happens.

The reasons may vary from such things as deficiencies in vitamins and minerals to your posture. Most doctors have not learned much about the causes of pain when they were in medical school. They believe that the treatment of symptoms (wrist) rather than the causes of pain (the rest of the body.) A lot of "instant cure" the devices work similarly.

If you only carry around the hand or wrist with carpal tunnel syndrome "instant" to improve the device or use, you may get some relief. You can get a lot of relief. And 'The device may make it go away. Maybe not. It all depends on the cause of the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome.

usually involves a "cure" against carpal tunnel syndrome lots of parts of your body because they are all involved, not just the wrist.

So what could be causing your symptoms of pain, numbness or tingling?

It could be something you eat or not eat the way you sleep, your weight, the muscles in your arm or neck or chest, or other things. And there are moments where you should see your doctor because you have a problem like a thyroid problem or an immune system disorder or a wrist crush injury. (I am not a doctor, I want to share information to help you feel better.)

Prioritizing hand activities and ergonomics

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 13:02:00 +0000

Any forceful and repetitive use of the hands and wrists can cause upper extremity pain. While avoiding activities that cause repetitive stress is an option that can help avoid the pain, it causes people to curtail their careers, forfeit earnings and give up whole segments of their lives.

More frequent rest can be useful if it can be orchestrated into one's schedule, but rest is not very practical in today's active work and play environments. It has been shown that taking multiple mini breaks during the stressful activity is more effective than taking occasional long breaks.

Exercises that relax and strengthen the muscles of the upper back can reduce the risk of a double crush of the median nerve. Spinal manipulations performed by an osteopath or chiropractor may be appropriate to relieve compression of the nerve. It goes to show that this kind of carpal tunnel therapy will not just be beneficial to the CTS but also in a holistic manner.

What Is The Work Of Carpal Tunnel?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:01:00 +0000

Carpal tunnel is a fibro- osseous tunnel on the palmar surface of the carpal bones. It transmits a number of tendons and the median nerve from the forearm into the hand. Surface markings are proximally the distal wrist crease or distally the hook of the hamate bone.

Both base and walls of the carpal tunnel are a concave bony channel that is formed by the carpal bones. It is the flexor retinaculum or transverse carpal ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. It attaches to the scaphoid tubercle and ridge of the trapezium laterally, to the pisiform and hook the hamate medially.

The recurrent thenar branch of the median nerve, the motor branch to the thenar eminence, leaves the median nerve in or beyond the carpal tunnel. It curves back over the flexor retinaculum to reach the thenar eminence. If the incision over the calpar tunnel is made to far laterally, it is dangerous making surgery.

The carpal tunnel transmits to only one nerve, the median, and nine tendons. They are the following: flexor digitorum superficialis which contributes to the four tendons that insert on the middle phalanx; flexor digitorum profundus which contributes to the four tendons that insert on the distal phalanx; flexor pollicis longus; palmaris longus which is a tendon merging with palmar aponeurosis; flexor retinaculum; flexor digitorum superficialis; flexor pollicis longus; flexor digitorum profundus and skin.

Therefore, the carpal tunnel is important because the median nerve can be compressed in cases such as what was mentioned above, carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist dislocations (result of this is that you cannot entirely move your fingers and hands) and bone fractures (it is a minor injury in which the fragments remain not in proper alignment so there is a need for surgical treatments before it can be back to its normalcy).

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Prevention Is Key

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Lisa E. Stafford

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON -- More than 28 million Americans use computers each day and, according to officials at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, many risk coming down with a painful, debilitating condition, carpal tunnel syndrome.

"Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, involves the median nerve and the flexor tendons, which extend from the forearm into the hand through a 'tunnel' made up of wrist bones (carpals) and the transverse carpal ligament," said Army Dr. (Capt.) Matthew Hengy, a family practice physician at the Pentagon. CTS can develop when repetitive wrist motion, fluid retention or acute trauma creates pressure on the median nerve at the wrist.

"Arthritis-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can also cause CTS. These diseases cause pain and swelling in joints and other parts of the body. They can cause swelling of tissues in the carpal tunnel, resulting in pressure on the median nerve," he said.

Hengy said the source of trouble is unknown with many patients because virtually anything that swells the tendons or pinches the median nerve can lead to CTS or make it worse. Injuries such as a blow to the wrist could cause CTS, for instance, because a carpal bone might fracture, break or otherwise pinch and damage the median nerve.

"The results can be tingling, numbness and, eventually, disabling pain. CTS can strike anyone, and its consequences are serious," he said. Work-related cases are highest among those ages 20 to 40. Nonwork-related cases are highest among persons in their 50s.

"The condition is treated with steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, with surgery," Hengy said. The return of hand and wrist functions is often complete, but not always, he added.

Awareness of the problem and its causes are crucial to prevention, as are the proper use of ergonomic aids and attention to your work routine, Hengy said. CTS isn't limited to computer operators. Other prime candidates include draftsmen, meat cutters, secretaries, musicians, assembly line workers and automotive repair workers, but anyone whose work involves repetitive movement of the hands can be at risk, he said.

"There were 2 million workers' compensation cases reported in 1995. CTS was the most common and costly cumulative-trauma disorder and accounted for one-third of the cases. Back injuries were second," said Linda Garrison, a Bureau of Labor Statistics economist in the Labor Department. "Half of all the workers afflicted by CTS lost 30 days or more from the workplace." Statistics also showed women accounted for 72 percent of the cases.

The exact numbers of CTS cases over the years would be hard to pin down, if not impossible, but they're clearly on the rise. Garrison said reported computer-related injuries of all types have soared more than 8,000 percent from 23,800 cases in 1972 to 2 million in 1995 -- and the 1995 caseload was six times higher than the 332,000 reported in 1994.

CTS workers compensation cases cost up to $65,410 each in lost wages and medical benefits, according to July 1996 statistics published by the National Council of Compensation Insurance. The council's average 1993 dollar-loss figure was $21,453. The actual cost to the national economy becomes much greater when the costs of lost production, employee rehabilitation, and hiring and training replacements are added in.

Hengy said common CTS symptoms include:

o Pain, tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, middle or ring fingers, or tingling in the entire hand.

o Pain that shoots from the hand up the arm as far as the shoulder.

o A swollen sensation in your fingers, although they may not be visibly swollen.

o You may notice that your symptoms are worse at night.

o Your hands feel weak in the morning.

o You drop objects more than usual.

o You have trouble grasping or pinching objects.

o You have trouble using your hands for certain tasks, such as buttoning a shirt, handwriting or opening a jar lid.

o The muscles at the base of your thumb are smaller and weaker than they used to be.

"At first the symptoms come and go and usually are affected by excessive use of the hand, although there may be no symptoms when the hand is at rest," Hengy said. "As the condition worsens and pressure on the nerve becomes greater, the person may experience constant numbness."

If you think you may have CTS, ask your primary care physician to review your medical history and examine your hands and wrists. One or all of the following tests can help confirm a diagnosis of CTS, he said:

o Tinel's Sign Test. The doctor will gently tap the front of your wrist to see if you feel tingling or pain in your hand or forearm.

o Phalen's Sign Test. The doctor will ask you to bend your wrist down as far as it will go and to hold this position up to three minutes to see if you feel tingling or pain.

o Nerve Condition Velocity Study. This test measures the nerve's ability to send electrical impulses to the hand muscles, to see if the electrical impulses slow down in the carpal tunnel.

o Blood tests and X-rays of the hands may reveal whether CTS stems from a medical problem.

"For some patients exercising can temporarily relieve the pain," Hengy said. He recommends performing the following four-step exercise 10 times a day, especially before starting an activity. Start with your arms outstretched in front of you as if typing:

Step 1: Slowly bend your hands back at the wrists with fingers fully extended. Hold for 10 seconds, then straighten your wrists.

Step 2: Stretch your arms and hands forward with fingers fully extended and hold for 10 seconds. Be careful not to push too hard and cause pain. Return to the starting position.

Step 3: Make a tight fist and hold for 10 seconds. Release.

Step 4: Straighten your wrist and extend the fingers fully for 10 seconds. Return to Step 1; do four or five repetitions.

Researchers in a 1996 study at the Orthopedic and Research Center in Oklahoma City taught these pain-relieving hand and wrist exercises to 81 carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers. They found that just one minute of exercise was enough to reduce the pressure on the victim's median nerve -- and the pain. In some cases, relief lasted several hours.

Step 1: Starting in a typing position, slowly bend your hands back at the wrists with fingers fully extended and hold for 10 seconds. Return to the typing position.

Step 2: Straighten your wrists, stretch your arms and hands forward with fingers fully extended and hold for 10 seconds. Do not cause pain by overstraining your hands and wrists. Return to the typing position.

Step 3: Make a tight fist and hold for 10 seconds. Return to the typing position. Step 4: For the second time, straighten your wrists, stretch your arms and hands forward with fingers fully extended and hold for 10 seconds. Return to the typing position; do four or five repetitions.

This article is courtesy of the Defense Link website.

Carpal tunnel prevention starts in wrist

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0000

When the wrists are incorrectly positioned at a keyboard, pressure is put on a nerve found in a "tunnel" in the wrists. In that tunnel, as the tendons grow and expand, it can cause inflammation. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome also include a burning sensation in the fingers, or even no feeling at all.

Dr. Guy Smith, medical director of Lafene Health Center, said those who spend a majority of their day sitting at typewriters or computers are most likely to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. Also, Smith said, those who use vibratory equipment in their daily jobs, such as jackhammers or other tools associated with construction work, are just as susceptible to the disease.

"The cause of the disease is largely occupational," said Smith, who sees students on a weekly basis to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.

Beth Unger, vice provost and professor of computing and information sciences, agreed with Smith."If you use a computer for more than six to seven hours per day, you need to take proper precautions," Unger said. Smith said those precautions are both inexpensive and effective."If you can find the associating factor (of the disease), that's the cheapest treatment," she said.Smith added that anti-inflammatory creams can take the pressure off the nerve as well.

There are wrist splints that keep the wrist in a neutral position. The cost of these splints usually ranges from $25 to $30, Smith said.

The Department of Computing and Information Sciences is also taking the necessary steps to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Unger ensures all computers in her department are equipped with wrist rests, and said most computers now come with warning labels when they are sold to consumers. These labels warn the consumer about the dangers of incorrect positioning of the wrists while sitting at the keyboard for extended periods of time.

Smith said he sees the new warning labels as a way to educate the public about carpal tunnel syndrome.

These precautions and tips add up to making students more aware of carpal tunnel syndrome, and one of Unger's priorities is to try to protect students from its dangers.

"We educate (students) and try to make available anything to them that would keep them from being susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome," Unger said.

Proper position prevents carpel tunnel

1. Adjust your chair

Adjust the height of the chair so your feet are firmly on the floor but not so low that your weight is not evenly distributed over the full seat surface.
Keep your body in a relaxed, yet upright, position. The backrest of your chair should support the inward curve of your lower back.

2.Adjust your keyboard and mouse

To prevent having to reach to the front or side, position the keyboard and pointing device (ex: mouse, trackball, etc.) directly in front and close to you.
Press the keys gently; keep your shoulders, arms, hands and fingers relaxed.

3.Adjust your monitor

Position whatever you are looking at most of the time (either the monitor or paper material) directly in front of you so that you do not have to turn your head to the side while you are typing.
Adjust the monitor height so that the top of the screen is at, or slightly below, eye level. Your eyes should look slightly downward when viewing the middle of the screen.

Copyright 1998, Student Publications Inc. All rights reserved.This document may be distributed electronically, provided it is distributed in its entirety and includes this notice. However, it cannot be reprinted without the express written permission of Student Publications Inc., Kansas State University.
This article is courtesy of the Kansas State Collegian website.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an extremely common as well as a very misunderstood condition.In recent years, it has received much coverage in the press but is still not completely understood even by the scientific community. The media has branded this condition as an occupational disease because of workers linking pain in their hands to repetitive activities such as typing or assembly line work.

Despite popular opinion, this condition is not caused by using a keyboard. However, if one has a predisposition to this condition, repetitive activity such as typing can aggravate it.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome simply means that there is a compression of the median nerve in the hand. This nerve sits inside a tunnel in the hand whose floor and walls consist of bones known as carpal bones. The roof of this tunnel is a structure called the transverse carpal ligament. Besides the nerve, there are nine tendons which flex the fingers and thumb and run in the canal.

When lining around these tendons is inflamed, there is less space for the nerve and it becomes compressed. This compression of the median nerve leads to the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The symptoms most often reported with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are numbness and tingling in the hand which often begins at night. Often there is also pain and weakness in the hand, particularly in the thumb. If allowed to progress for many years untreated, this could lead to atrophy of the muscles in the base of the thumb.

Besides the physical symptoms of Carpal Tunnel, the diagnosis is easily confirmed by a simple nerve conduction study. This measures the velocity and the latency of the nerve impulse across the median nerve at the wrist and can tell the physician if the patient has a compression of the median nerve. The condition most commonly occurs in middle-aged women, often perimenopausal. It can be caused by chronic conditions such as diabetes, gout or thyroid disease. It is also commonly seen in woman in their third trimester of pregnancy. When any of these other conditions are ruled out, the condition is labeled idiopathic meaning caused by an unknown process.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often coincides with related conditions such as tendonitis in the fingers, (trigger finger) of tendonitis in the wrist. DeQuervain's tendonitis, for example, leads to pain in the wrist at the base of the thumb.

The treatment for Carpal Tunnel is often directed at decreasing the inflammation of the tendons. Injections of steroids such as cortisone can lead to a decrease in the swelling. This will allow the median nerve more room in the carpal tunnel and relieve the pain. The most common treatment without the use of drugs or injections is a night splint. The splint does not allow the patient to flex their wrist at night which often occurs during dreaming. This relieves some of the pressure within the canal.

Symptoms are magnified at night because the position of the hand is at the same level of the heart while laying down leading to pooling of the fluid in the soft tissues within the canal. There are also hormonal changes which are quite complicated that can lead to increased fluid retention at night. As a remedy to this, some researchers believe that high doses of Vitamin B-6 can act as a diuretic and decrease fluid in the carpal canal leading to relief of symptoms.

If the compression is severe enough and the patient does not respond to conservative treatment, the next step would be surgery. Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is also misunderstood by the public as well as physicians. Rumors abound as to the final outcome after these procedures. People think they will lose functioning in their hand if they have surgery. The truth is that surgery is extremely successful. This surgery actually entails a very simple concept. A division is made in the ligament which serves as the roof of the carpal tunnel. This increases the space in the carpal tunnel allowing the median nerve to function better.

The most recent breakthrough in treatment of Carpal Tunnel, which is commonly used at the Miami Hand Center, is called endoscopic release. In this procedure, an incision of less than one centimeter is made in the crease of the wrist and an endoscope, a tiny camera, is inserted. This allows the surgeon to literally see the inside of the hand and make the division of the ligament without a large, open incision.

"...despite popular opinion, (Carpal tunnel Syndrome) is not caused by using a keyboard."

This is not a laser surgery, but rather surgery using fiber optic technology, allowing a surgeon to operate "from the inside out." This means that tender tissue is not violated and there is minimal if any pain after the procedure. The main advantage of this technique is not only minimizing the unsightly scar, but also increased recovery time which allows you to return to work quickly.

The long term results of endoscopic release of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is excellent with many more benefits to the patient than traditional means of treatment. Patients occasionally complain of some soreness in the palm when resting their hand upon a hard object, but otherwise, there are minimal complications or pain after the procedure.

The key to understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is to think if this as a pinched nerve which occurs in the wrist and leads to symptoms such as numbness or tingling. These are many other painful conditions in the hand and wrist which need to be evaluated by a surgeon specializing in such problems. Confirmations by nerve conduction studies is usually done by either a rehab medicine specialist or a neurologist.

Carpal tunnel Syndrome is an easily diagnosable and treatable condition when appropriately diagnosed by a trained physician. If you have pain in your hands, take heart, don't quit your typing job. Call the Miami Hand Center for an appointment and free yourself from this unnecessary pain.

This article is courtesy of the Miami Hand website.

Carpal tunnel treatment without surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0000

If your symptoms are not severe, expect your health professional to recommend nonsurgical kind of carpal tunnel treatment to see whether symptoms improve. This includes the following:

Evaluating any other medical conditions that might contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, and changing your treatment for those conditions if necessary.
Wearing a wrist splint to keep your wrist straight, usually just at night. See an illustration of a wrist splint.
Changing or avoiding activities that may be causing symptoms, and taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks.
Doing exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the hand and arm.
Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Although studies have not shown NSAIDs to be effective for carpal tunnel syndrome, they may help you to relieve symptoms.
Learning ways to protect your joints as you go through your daily activities.

Carpal tunnel treatment with surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 13:09:00 +0000

Surgery is sometimes recommended when other carpal tunnel treatment has not helped- if a carpal tunnel condition has continued for a long time or the risk of nerve damage. Surgery is usually successful.
In some cases it does not completely relieve the numbness and pain in the fingers or hand. This may be the case if there has been permanent nerve damage caused by long-standing carpal tunnel syndrome or by underlying conditions such as diabetes.
The two kinds of surgery are:

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release may allow faster functional recovery and less postoperative discomfort than the other one. The doctor make two incisions in the wrist and palm, inserts a camera attached to the tube, observes the tissue on a screen and cuts the carpal ligament.
Open carpal tunnel release is the traditional procedure used to correct carpal tunnel syndrome. It consists of making an incision up to two inches in the wrist and then cutting the ligament to enlarge the carpal tunnel. This procedure is generally done under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, unless there are unusual medical considerations.

Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace Guidelines

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:06:00 +0000

These following guidelines should be aptly considered when using a carpal tunnel wrist brace.

A wrist splint is a helpful short-term carpal tunnel syndrome treatment. However, long-term use can cause your muscles to weaken. During and after a period of splint use, exercising and slowly increasing hand and wrist movements will help prevent your wrist muscles from weakening.
When worn to stabilize the wrist during sleep, a wrist splint can reduce pain and pressure on the median nerve.
A wrist splint is not a substitute for good workplace design and proper body mechanics. Some experts advise against wearing a wrist splint while working, because doing so can strain the hand's tendons.

Carpal tunnel wrist brace are available in drugstores and pharmacies without a prescription. It is also sold by recommendation from an orthopedic doctor by some medical supply houses. Physical and occupational therapists can make custom-fit splints from lightweight materials that are more comfortable to wea

Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace Brands

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Here are some carpal tunnel wrist brace brands that you can find in the market designed to personally suit your style.

Support wrist splints are designed to prevent re- injury or stabilize the wrist following injury.
Universal wrist wrap provides protection and support for the wrist during periods of activity. Ambidextrous wrap design with velcro closure.
Mueller wrist supports are elastic in a unique knit that give even compression and allow full range of movement during activity. This fits either right or left hand.
SportAid wrist brace are pre- shaped removable aluminum palm stay that is covered with suede stay pocket.
Pil- O wrist splints are adjustable. It is shaped for maximum healing benefits by gently immobilizing the wrist, hand and fingers in a neutral position. Unique design prevents you from holding your hand in a harmful position while sleeping. Velcro strap allows for easy adjustment with a soft foam cotton lining.
Ace Plus wrist wraps are pre- shaped that protects and supports injured wrist during strenuous activities. Hook or loop fastener for easy adjustment. Adjustable strap helps immobilize wrist.