CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME FACTS

WHAT IS THE CARPAL TUNNEL

The Carpal Tunnel is a passageway in which the nine flexor tendons, median nerve, arteries, and lymphatic vessels pass through in order to supply function and movement to the fingers and wrist. The Carpal Tunnel is lined by the carpal bones on the posterior surface (backside) of the wrist, and the transverse carpal ligament is positioned on the anterior (front side) of the wrist. The size of the carpal tunnel is about the size of the index finger in diameter, and the flexor tendons, arteries and nerves are expected to glide passed each other with ease. But in such a small, confined space, there is little room for error. If the tendon size increases from inflammation or hypertrophy (growth), or if the carpal tunnel size decreases because the weak extensor muscles cannot withstand the tremendous pull from the flexor muscles, the carpal bones will shift downward and into the carpal tunnel. Once this has happened, any form of repetitive flexion will cause friction of the flexor tendons against the carpal bones causing inflammation and irritation to the structures within the carpal tunnel. This domino effect causes the symptoms to continually increase until the pain and dysfunction of the hand becomes unbearable.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME AND REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY SYMPTOMS?

CTS

The onset of symptoms are usually pain, numbness, paresthesia (pins and needle) and tingling in the fingers and hands; and there may be some swelling on the underside of the wrist, but this is unusual. The hands will also become clumsy, weak and fatigue easily. Over time, this will cause a significant decrease in the ability to grasp small objects with precision control, and if left untreated, can lead to total dysfunction of the hand.

One of the most significant factors that reveals the onset of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is awakening in the night with pain and numbness in the fingers and hands. Usually the individual has to sit up in bed and shake-out and/or rub the hands to get the circulation moving and decrease the symptoms that they are experiencing.

RSI

Repetitive Strain injuries are slightly different in nature because they do not impair the function of the nerve. Repetitive Strain injuries can exhibit either vague or sharp pain, overall stiffness of the fingers hand, wrist and elbow, and the symptoms can affect both the front and backsides of the hands equally.

ADDITIONAL CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME INFORMATION

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