What is carpal tunnel
syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment median
neuropathy, causing paresthesia, pain, numbness, and other symptoms in the
distribution of the median nerve due to its compression at the wrist in the
carpal tunnel. Carpus is a word derived
from the Greek word karpos, which means "wrist." The wrist is
surrounded by a band of fibrous tissue that normally functions as a support for
the joint. The tight space between this fibrous band and the wrist bone is
called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel to
receive sensations from the thumb, index, and middle fingers of the hand. Any
condition that causes swelling or a change in position of the tissue within the
carpal tunnel can squeeze and irritate the median nerve. Irritation of the
median nerve in this manner causes tingling and numbness of the thumb, index,
and the middle fingers -- a condition known as "carpal tunnel syndrome."
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.
Helpful exercises to prevent CTS
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ReplyDeleteVery helpful!!!