Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition which affects almost five percent of the adult population worldwide. The median nerve is subjected to excessive pressure in carpal tunnel syndrome. This nerve in the wrist enables mobility and sensation in certain hand regions. Numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscular injury in the hand and fingers can result from carpal tunnel syndrome. In this write-up, we will discuss carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and treatments. 

carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms

Numbness and tingling sensations

Numbness and tingling sensations in the hand and fingers are among the most prevalent and recognizable signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. These feelings are sometimes felt by people, especially in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. These feelings frequently appear while performing repetitive wrist motions.

Pain

Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome report pain or discomfort in the hands and wrists that are afflicted. The wrist pain could move up into the forearm or even up to the shoulder. It might range from a dull aching to severe, shooting pains in terms of intensity.

Sensitivity to Temperature fluctuations

Temperature sensitivity is one of the most important carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Some CTS sufferers may discover that their affected hand is more sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Because the nerve compression has interfered with the body’s typical temperature regulation processes, this sensitivity has developed.

Hand Weakness

CTS can lead to hand weakness, making it challenging to carry out daily chores with the affected hand. Weakness can lead to diminished grip power and a propensity to drop things more frequently. Opening jars, holding utensils, and even buttoning garments can become difficult tasks.

Reduced Range of Motion 

CTS can cause stiffness in the hands and wrists that are afflicted. Some people might find it challenging to fully flex or extend their wrist. Having a limited range of motion might make it difficult to write, reach, or grab objects.

Muscle Atrophy

Next in the list of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms is muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy or wasting may take place in severe or persistent cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. This may cause the affected hand to lose strength noticeably and have observable muscular wastage.

Temperature Difficulties

Carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers may find it challenging to differentiate between hot and cold temperatures with their affected hand. Due to the altered sensation, it may be difficult to determine the temperature of items or surfaces, which could result in burns or other injuries.

Loss of Coordination

As CTS worsens, sufferers could lose coordination in the hand that is being afflicted. Fine motor skills-required tasks, like writing, typing, or playing an instrument, can get difficult. Movements may seem sloppy and loose with the hand.

Night time symptoms:

CTS symptoms can get worse at night, disrupting sleep cycles. People may have numbness or tingling in the affected hand when they awaken. Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterised by this nightly symptom aggravation.

Swelling or Inflammation

Swelling is one of the most common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. The impacted area may feel painful to the touch or appear swollen. The thumb and base of the palm are frequently the areas of the body where swelling is most obvious.

Fine motor skills difficulty

CTS can affect fine motor abilities, making delicate tasks difficult. Activities requiring precise finger movements, such as buttoning clothing, securing jewellery, or handling small objects, may be difficult for certain people. Dexterity loss can be annoying and impair day-to-day activities.

Crawling sensation 

Carpal tunnel syndrome can result in itchy or crawling feelings in the hand and fingers in addition to numbness and tingling. These discomforting sensations may be a factor in how miserable people with CTS feel all the time.

Weakness in Pinching

The last one in the list of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms is difficulty in pinching. Carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers may particularly struggle with pinching motions in addition to general hand weakness. Because the thumb and finger muscles are so weak, it can be particularly difficult to perform pinching activities like holding a pencil or using tweezers. Functionality may be restricted and daily activities may be affected by the decreased strength and coordination.

Treatments 

Now that you know about the carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, let’s find out the treatments of the condition. 

Medications

Some anti-inflammatory medications are generally recommended to treat carpal tunnel syndrome-related discomfort and inflammation. They can provide temporary relief, but you need to know that the root cause can not be cured. Injections of corticosteroids may also be given to provide momentary relief by lowering inflammation near the carpal tunnel.

Wrist Splinting

One of the first therapies frequently suggested for carpal tunnel syndrome is wrist splinting. To preserve the wrist in a neutral position and prevent excessive bending or flexing that could compress the median nerve, a splint is worn during periods of rest, especially during night. The splint offers support and assists in reducing symptoms including pain, tingling, and numbness.

Occupational therapy

For people whose symptoms are tied to their jobs, occupational therapy is especially important in controlling carpal tunnel syndrome. To lessen strain on the wrists, an occupational therapist can assess workstations and make recommendations for ergonomic changes. They could recommend adaptable gear to enhance functionality and lessen problems, including ergonomic tools or unique keyboards.

Exercises for the hands and wrists

Physical therapy exercises can help reduce discomfort and build up the muscles around the carpal tunnel. To relieve strain on the median nerve, these exercises emphasize strengthening and stretching the muscles in the wrist, hand, and forearm. Physical therapists can show people the right exercises to do and make suggestions for how to work them into everyday routines.

Lifestyle modifications

The carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can be prevented from getting worse with certain lifestyle changes. The wrists can be relieved of stress by taking frequent rests while engaging in repetitive hand motions, such as typing or using handheld gadgets. The use of wrist pads or keeping good posture are two ergonomic changes that can lessen stress on the hands and wrists.