Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the tendons in the wrist become swollen (tenosynovitis) or when the size of the carpal tunnel itself decreases due to injury. This results in compression of the median nerve, leading to various symptoms.
Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
When this compression happens, individuals may experience
- numbness,
- tingling,
- or a dull sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
Additional symptoms include
- pain during pinching and gripping
- a feeling of clumsiness,
- and difficulty holding objects.
Understanding the primary causes of CTS is crucial in preventing wrist pain both at work and home.
What is Carpal Tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a small space at the wrist in which the median nerve and nine tendons pass through. The median nerve travels on top of the tendons through the tunnel. The tunnel itself is made up of your wrist bones and along the top of the tunnel is a thick fibrous ligament called the transverse carpal ligament.
Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel is typically not related to a specific injury. Some common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
Genetic Predisposition – Many cases can be a result of physical characteristics of carpal tunnel or medical conditions associated with CTS, which also run in the family.
Repetitive Movements – Certain types of work, leisure, and sports activities require use of the hand and wrist repetitively. Occupations such as manufacturing/assembly line workers, grocery checkers, musicians, carpenters, and many others require the same movements. Common hobbies such as golfing, knitting, and gardening also require repeated movements that cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Injury or Trauma – Sprain or fracture of the wrist can cause swelling and pressure to the median nerve.
Pregnancy & Menopause – Hormonal fluctuation in women plays a role in CTS. Such fluctuation may cause fluid retention and other changes that cause swelling in the body. Fluid retention frequently occurs during the last trimester of pregnancy and is the reason for CTS.
Medical Conditions – Diabetes, hypothyroidism, lupus, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Activities to Avoid Minimizing Symptoms
To reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is important to avoid certain activities and habits:
- Avoid bending your wrists in either direction: Keeping your wrists in a neutral (straight) position is best.
- Avoid rapid, repetitive, forceful, or prolonged hand or arm use: This is especially important in jobs like factory work or data entry.
- Avoid tight gripping and pinching: These actions can increase strain on the median nerve.
- Avoid applying pressure to the palm or wrist: This can exacerbate symptoms.
- Avoid exposure to extreme cold or vibration: Both can worsen the symptoms of CTS.
Understanding the causes and symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is essential in preventing and managing this condition. By being aware of the activities that can lead to CTS and making appropriate adjustments at work and home, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing wrist pain associated with this syndrome. Maintaining a neutral wrist position, avoiding repetitive and forceful movements, and managing underlying health conditions are key strategies in minimizing the impact of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
To read more about Carpel Tunnel Syndrome click here.
