Carpal tunnel syndrome affects millions
Our hands are incredible, complex tools.
They can create music, hold an infant and type the words to a best-selling novel or simple text message. You use your hands throughout the day for tasks big and small. A disruption to how you can use them can be devastating to your daily quality of life.
One common disorder that affects about 3% of the U.S. population, or eight million Americans annually, is carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition affects the hands and wrists, causing tingling, numbness, weakness and pain, primarily the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. It's caused by compression, or pinching, of the median nerve within a structure at the base of the palm called the carpal tunnel.
Many have been told or believe a main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is typing or heavy technology use; however, the condition is a bit more complicated. The cause is not always known, and a variety of factors can contribute to the development of symptoms, including your genetic risk.
Anatomical factors, sex, nerve damage such as that caused by diabetes, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, certain medications, obesity, changes in how your body retains fluids - such as menopause, hypothyroidism, renal failure and pregnancy - and poor posture all increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Some of the most preventable risk factors occur in the workplace. There are certain movements of the wrists and hands can put more pressure on your median nerve, such as bending your wrist all the way forward or backward, repetitive hand or wrist movements, resting the palms of the hands on a hard surface, prolonged strong gripping, working with vibrating equipment, sitting with poor posture and working in cold environments.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may begin gradually, worsening and becoming more frequent over time. Simply ignoring the symptoms may cause irreversible damage to the median nerve and long-term compression of the nerve can result in muscle weakness, deformity of the hands and decreased coordination.
There are a variety of treatment options for those living with the condition and, in many cases, symptoms resolve without invasive surgical treatment. Reducing your risk ahead of serious problems can be key.
Take frequent, short rest breaks. Improve your seated posture, sitting with your hips, elbows, and knees at 90 degrees, with your shoulders back and keeping your wrists in a neutral position. Use a relaxed grip, invest in anti-vibration or impact-resistant gloves and be sure to keep your hands warm. Altering these risk factors may lessen or completely relieve symptoms.
Other treatment options include hand therapy to relieve pressure on the nerve and wearing a wrist brace that prevents awkward wrist positions and pressure on the carpal tunnel.
The key is addressing the condition early. Be sure to speak with your primary care provider or orthopedic specialist for help in addressing the issue.
• Kelly Dano, OTR/L, is a licensed occupational therapist with Ascension Saint Alexius in Hoffman Estates.