Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Leonard J. Marchinski explains Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

WYOMISSING, Pa. - April 11, 2019 - PRLog -- If you are experiencing tingling, numbness, pain, or weakness in your hand, and it has been persistent, and there is no apparent reason for it, then you should consult a doctor. You may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Dr. Leonard J. Marchinski is providing his thoughts on this subject in a new article. The complete article will be available on Dr. Marchinski's blog at https://leonardmarchinskimd.wordpress.com/

A type of Entrapment neuropathy – a condition caused when a peripheral nerve of the body gets pressed due to some reason - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is quite common and is caused by the pressure on the median nerve.

The Median Nerve is one of the three major nerves that run through the forearm and hand. It innervates i.e. supplies nerves to the hand's intrinsic muscles, thereby controlling the feeling and movement of fingers (expect the smallest one) and thumb and the coarse movements of the hand. This is why it is also called the "laborer's nerve" or "eye of the hand." The Median Nerve enters the hand through a narrow passageway, called Carpal Tunnel, located at the base of the hand on palm side of the wrist. The Carpal Tunnel is made of bones and ligaments and along with the median nerve, it also houses tendons that make bending of fingers possible.

The narrowing of the Carpal Tunnel, usually due to swelling, puts pressure on the median nerve and compresses it. As a result, the person may experience weakness, numbness, and sometimes, pain in the wrist and hand. Occasionally, the pain can spread to the forearm and arm.

A variety of factors can initiate the narrowing of Carpal Tunnel and contribute to the condition. These include repetitive movements of hands or wrists, for example, typing especially when the wrists are higher than hands.

Due to the nature of their job that includes repetitive hand motions, certain professionals are at a higher risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. They include musicians, tailors, knitters, bakers, hair stylists, cashiers, typists, and assembly line workers.

When the condition starts to develop, the patient may first experience numbness in fingers at night when the hands are in relaxed position. The patient may wake up in the morning with numb hands or experience tingling that runs from hands to the shoulders.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is generally characterized by an itching numbness, tingling, and/or burning feeling in the index and middle finger, thumb, or palm. If not treated at earlier stages, the condition can get severe and can lead to the shrinking of muscles in the affected hand.

The patients of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are generally advised to wear a splint to reduce or prevent movement of wrist. This will decrease the pressure on median nerve and will provide symptomatic relief. In most cases, the patients are advised to wear the splint at night to prevent the tingling feeling and the numbing of fingers and hand.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is more common than we think and the fact that often it is caused by our daily activities puts most of us at the risk. While there are treatments available for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is better to take preventive measures if you have to perform repetitive motions with your hands, on daily basis. Be very careful about the position of your hands and wrists. Make sure your wrists are always straight and, if possible, wear a splint to ensure your wrists stay in neutral positions. Talk to your doctor and ask if there is any exercise that can help prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

*** Dr. Leonard J Marchinski is a medical doctor in Pennsylvania, focusing on orthopedic surgery.

Website: https://leonardmarchinskimd.com/
Blog: https://leonardmarchinskimd.wordpress.com/