Do you play the piano or perform assembly type work at your job? You might be more prone to get carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the median nerve becomes pressured or squeezed at the wrist, which easily happens when you are frequently typing on the computer or playing the piano. To learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome and to find how you can prevent it, keep reading.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel?
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, some common symptoms of carpal tunnel are:
- Frequent burning, tingling, and numbness in your hand and fingers
- Hands and fingers feeling swollen
- One or both hands during the night
- Decreased grip strength
- Difficulty forming a fist
- Difficulty grabbing small objects
- Unable to tell difference between hot and cold (in more extreme cases)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, go see your doctor to find out your best treatment options.
Who Can Get Carpal Tunnel?
Women are more likely to get it than men, but anyone can develop it. Anyone with diabetes or a health issue that affects the nerves is at a higher risk of getting carpal tunnel. Children do not typically develop it, as carpal tunnel most often affects adults. Anyone doing any job can develop carpal tunnel, but those doing work in an assembly line type jobs are most at risk.
How is Carpal Tunnel Treated?
If you believe you might have carpal tunnel syndrome, go talk to your doctor. He or she will discuss treatment options with you, which could include surgery. If you prefer to take the non-surgery path, your treatment will likely include medication and special exercises.
Do you struggle with carpal tunnel syndrome? If so, what have you found to be most helpful in dealing with it?
If you have any other questions about carpal tunnel syndrome, give us a call at Pinto Chiro and we will be happy to talk with you!
Sources
“Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet.” : National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, July 2012. Web. 05 June 2013.