Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, part 2

Carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by a combination of factors; such as congenital predisposition. Some people have a smaller carpal tunnel than others, which can result in pressure on the nerve. Other reasons that can cause the syndrome are trauma or injury to the wrist, sprain, over-activity of the pituitary gland, rheumatoid arthritis, work stress, repeated use of vibrating tools, the development of a tumor or cyst in the wrist. At this point little data is available but if an activity is causing you pain you may want to see a doctor to find if the problem can be fixed.

Who is at risk? Women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually occurs only in adults. Persons that perform assembly line work such as sewing, manufacturing, cleaning, meat packing, and some knitters may be more vulnerable.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important, you do not want to risk having permanent damage to the median nerve. There is a great amount of misinformation about carpal tunnel syndrome out there, and even those who do the nerve conductivity tests may still believe that only 50% of all people who elect to have surgery will be helped. That percentage is long gone and some medical professionals have not updated their skills. Get another opinion if this is the percentage that is quoted to you, this is what caused a delay in Tina’s situation. Up-to-date data and techniques are very important because rest of the hand or wrist will not make carpal tunnel syndrome go away, rest will only alleviate the symptoms temporarily.

Tomorrow I will be showing you treatment options and Tina’s journey.