A common condition,
carpal tunnel syndrome is thought to affect about 4 out of every 100 people in the United States. But what is it, exactly?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve (a nerve in the wrist) is compressed. This increased pressure results in the nerve becoming damaged and not able to function normally. As the disease progresses and less blood and nutrients flow to the median nerve, many different symptoms can occur, such as:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Pain (usually in the thumb, index, and middle fingers).
It is also common for your affected hand to feel clumsy.
A number of methods are used to treat this condition. Nonsurgical options typically include medications, exercise, and alternative therapies (such as acupuncture or yoga). If symptoms last for more than six months, or if there is significant damage to the median nerve, surgery may be recommended.
(Click Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for more information about this condition, including who is most likely to develop it.)
HealthSavvy Sign In
|