At the base of your palm is a cluster of eight bones, they shape the U at the base of your palm. Over these bones is an arching ligament, tunnel roof, this is where the median nerve is located. This nerve connects to the spinal cord, while also controlling the sensations of the thumb and fingers along the palm. If the tunnel becomes constricted, pressure causes blood deficiency to the nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a serious affliction suffered by millions of workers a year. While it starts off as just pain, carpal tunnel syndrome is a very serious disorder that can lead to severe pain and nerve damage. Those most at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome are those who have jobs that involve constant repetitive and/or static motion, particularly of the wrists, arms, and hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome reached epidemic proportions in the 90's and has now achieved a status equaling pandemic proportions in the 21st century. With carpal tunnel syndrome having such devastating effects on millions of people each year, how do you know if you or someone you know has it? Bitingly called Nintendonitis or Nintendo thumb by a lot of parents, the constant use of video games is the cause of many repetitive strain injuries, of which carpal tunnel syndrome is included. Not only is the problem because of the home video game systems and computer video games, but also portable video games and game boy-like systems have only worsened the problem. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can develop for many years with no noticeable symptoms. However, when the first symptoms do appear they include burning or tingling sensations in the fingers, pain and numbness in the hand, an inability to grasp onto objects, and a weakness of the hands. Because Carpal Tunnel Syndrome involves the median nerve, it affects the parts of the hand that the median nerve supplies. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prevention: 1-Task Variation: It is wise to vary tasks throughout the day in order to keep the force and duration of the specific motion to a minimum. 2-Stretch: Stretch the short, restrictive muscles in order to lengthen them, which, reduces pressure on the underlying muscles, blood vessels and nerves. 3-Exercise: Strengthen the weak, underdeveloped muscles in order to help shorten/tighten them. Performing strengthening exercises to the muscle groups opposite to those that are short and tight allows the muscles on both sides of the joint to return to a more natural, balanced position. As with any disease, it is the patient's choice as far as treatment is concerned. The severity of the symptoms should also be taken into consideration when deciding upon a treatment plan. Cortisone can be used wisely as a part of a carpal tunnel treatment program along with the implementation of proper stretches add exercises, the most important tool that can be used to recover from carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs as a result of injury to the median nerve. As this nerve travels from the forearm to the wrist, it passes through a structure called the carpal tunnel. The wrist (carpal) bones form the floor of the carpal tunnel, and a thick ligament forms the roof. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can vary from mild to severe and prognosis is greatly affected by what the cause is behind the symptoms as well as the frequency and length of time the condition has been present. In mild cases of carpal tunnel often times the symptoms will go away on their own - particularly in cases where other medical conditions may have caused swelling in the wrists. Treatment: Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen relieves the pain for those in the early stages. Also to relieve the pressure in the median nerve, corticosteroids can be injected directly into the wrist or taken by mouth and even vitamin B6 pyridoxine supplements sometimes ease the symptoms. entation with this vitamin is useful. CTS should improve within 2 to 3 months by taking 100 mg three times daily. The patient should consult with doctor when taking high doses of this vitamin. Homeopathic and Chinese remedies include: arnica; astra essence; Rhus toxicodendron; Ruta graveolens.
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