Carpal tunnel syndrome plagues adults of all ages and of many occupations. Carpal tunnel syndrome is primarily associated with individuals who type a lot, but others can suffer from it as well, such as musicians, factory workers, and people who work frequently with vibrating tools.
How Can I Tell If I Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are fairly unique to the condition, so a diagnosis is typically easy to make. The following are signs of carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Tingling or numbness in the palm of your hand or in your thumb and the next two or three fingers. This can occur in just one hand or both of them.
- Pain in the wrist of one or both of your hands, or extending from your elbow.
- Weakness or a weak grip in one or both hands.
- Problems with coordination in your fingers.
Easy Changes to Help With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you are beginning to show signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, it is important to get medical assistance right away to prevent your condition from worsening. In the meantime, there are a few things that you can do to help to minimize the pain:
- Use proper posture when working at your desk. It is important to sit up straight and to place your keyboard in a position that it is in line with your elbows.
- Try a special wrist rest or keyboard for when you are working at your desk.
- Take a break from typing or working excessively with your hands.
Medication That Is Used to Help With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Those with minor cases of carpal tunnel syndrome can often benefit from taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Although you can purchase these medications over-the-counter, a doctor can prescribe you a stronger dose to help with your pain if needed.
For a temporary but often very relieving treatment, many doctors give patients with carpal tunnel syndrome corticosteroid injections. These injections are given at the site of the carpal tunnel area, and they can help to reduce the effects of the condition, although this relief is not permanent.
Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients
For patients with advanced cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, there are surgical options. Taking care of your carpal tunnel syndrome early can help to prevent the need of surgery, and it will also help to make surgery more successful.
Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is very common, and it is successful in most cases. Doctors help to relieve the pain that is associated with the condition by finding the location of the problem and cutting the ligament that is pressing on your nerve.
Although carpal tunnel syndrome is a serious condition that can cause you a lot of discomfort and pain, plenty of people suffering from it can and do still lead normal lives. By discussing different treatment options with your doctor, you can often manage your carpal tunnel syndrome-related pain successfully.
Marsha Porter is a freelance blogger, who writes about health and well-being. Always interested to learn more about healthcare, Marsha is taking classes at an online university.