Buffing Up

If you are someone who has a job that requires repeated use of the hands and wrists, then you may know what carpal tunnel syndrome is all about. You know all about that tightening feeling in the forearm and wrist, numbness and sometimes even pain. You know what it’s like to wake up in the middle of the night with any one of these sensations, and you are wondering what to do about it.

To understand carpal tunnel syndrome, you need to understand the physiology of the syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome, quite simply, is the tightening of the wrist that compresses the median nerve and causes all of the typical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. It can be a debilitating and sometimes excruciating condition that requires some sort of intervention to repair.

If you rely on your hands and arms for a living, carpal tunnel syndrome can be a big problem. Typists and those who spend hours on the computer know that this problem may cost them their job. Similar stresses worry construction workers, painters and even hair stylists. When the pain affects your work, it is not unusual to lose some of your productivity. Most people take it for granted that their hands will continue to do everything they need to do without complaint. When they begin feeling the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, they may be surprised.

Surgery is a common recommendation for people with severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. This procedure may be done using “twilight anesthesia.” The surgical procedure cuts the transverse carpal ligament to relive the pressure on the nerve. This ongoing pressure can cause permanent damage if it s not relieved. The transverse carpal ligament wraps across the bottom of the hand, helping to contain many other vertical ligaments and nerves in the carpal tunnel. By cutting this ligament, it makes more space for all the vessels and nerves contained in this tunnel. The transverse ligament eventually will fuse back together with scar tissue, leaving more room for the ligaments and nerves to pass beneath.

The truth is that the outcome of any surgery is unpredictable at best, and when dealing with the smaller ligaments, bones and muscles of the hand and wrist, it isn’t a good idea to go poking there. This kind of surgery and rehabilitation can cost up to $10,000 dollars and may or may not relieve one’s carpal tunnel syndrome. Also, the loss of strength in the wrist and arms is another distinct possibility.

Prevention and relief of carpal tunnel syndrome may be easier than you think. Take a few days off from whatever it is you do that aggravates your condition. This rest period will help, even if it is only a short time. Start some simple wrist exercises that will help stretch the transverse carpal ligament. This will help take the pressure off everything inside the carpal tunnel. You may need to work with a physical therapist to find the perfect stretches for you. Results should be felt almost immediately. Surgery should always be a last resort.

Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome is easier than you think. With a little effort, you can do the stretches and activities necessary to reduce the tightness of your transverse carpal ligament and avoid risky surgery.

Many sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome are told they need surgery when looking for relief from their pain. However, what some doctors don’t tell you is that invasive surgery doesn’t always alleviate all of your symptoms and can actually create more pain. Follow this link to learn about avoiding carpal tunnel surgery.