Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The medium nerve controls the thumb; the index, middle and ring fingers are under the control of the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand. Thickening from irritated or swollen tendons narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Symptoms of carpal tunnel usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers. Numbing of the index and middle finger are very common. The fingers may feel swollen or even useless even though little or no swelling may be present. Many people who suffer from carpal tunnel notice their hands falling asleep in the night. This is caused by the normal tendency to sleep with a flexed wrist which cuts off circulation even further.
Sufferers may notice pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, perform manual tasks or even grasp small objects. Some people with carpal tunnel syndrome may not be able to tell the difference between hot and cold by touch. In chronic or untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away. Painful sensations may indicate other conditions but carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common and widely known of the entrapment neuropathies.
Frequent tingling, numbness or burning in the palm of your hand and fingers (especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers) may indicate that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Following are some other indicators:
Frequent itching sensation in the palm of your hand and fingers
Fingers feel useless and swollen, even with no swelling present
First symptoms noticed at night
Symptoms can occur in one or both hands
Waking up with the need to shake out your hand to ease the symptoms
Decreased grip strength
Clumsy when handling objects
Difficult to distinguish between hot and cold by touch
First symptoms noticed on dominate hand
Trauma or injury causing swelling to the wrist
Job includes work related stress, assembly line, computer work or any repetitive motion
Shooting pains from forearm to shoulder
Entire hand effected except the little finger
Who is at risk?
Women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. This may be because the carpal tunnel itself may be smaller in women than in men.
People with diabetes, Hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, or other metabolic disorders that directly affect the body’s nerves and make them more susceptible to compression are also at risk.
Costs of carpal tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome results in the highest number of lost days among all work related injuries.
Carpal tunnel currently affects over 8 million Americans.
Up to 36% of all carpal tunnel syndrome patients require unlimited medical treatment.
Only 23% of all carpal tunnel syndrome patients were able to return to their previous professions following surgery.
Estimated three out of every 10,000 workers lost time from work because of carpal tunnel syndrome. Half of these workers missed more than 10 days of work.
Average lifetime cost of carpal tunnel syndrome, including medical bills and lost time from work, is estimated to be over $30,000 for each injured worker.
1. Abstract: “Ultrasound (US) and electrical stimulation have been widely used in hand therapy to promote recovery after nerve and tendon injuries. There is support for the use of low-dosage continuous wave and pulsed US for carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.”
2. Conclusion: It can be concluded that neuromuscular electrical stimulation is effective in treatment of post burn carpal tunnel syndrome which can be explained by its depressor effects in decreasing the dominant sympathetic tone in burned patients, decreasing the reflex muscle spasm, increasing the peripheral circulation, decreasing oedema and inflammation, relieving the compressive ischaemic pain and improving the nerve functions.
The Rhythm Touch 2-Way Electrical Muscle Stimulator is effective in relieving pain. This may be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. By stimulating the muscles, increasing the circulation, and removing blockage, the swelling that squeezes the carpal tunnel subsides. The muscle stimulation also increases the strength and reduces the possibility of muscle loss, especially in the base of the thumb.
By increasing the circulation in the area where the pads are placed, it helps restore the electrical balance of the area and draws blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the area.
The unique acu-roller that comes with the Rhythm Touch is the most useful tool for stimulating area around the wrist and hand.
Connecting the Rhythm Touch to the Acu-Roller
Use Aloe Vera gel as a lubricant for the Acu-Roller
Roll the Acu-Roller over the area
The Rhythm Touch is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of any disease
and/or any other medical condition.
Typing while wearing out cordless infrared heating wrist wrap
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