Frequently referred to as the bane of the existence of many typists and computer users alike, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a troublesome and nagging condition that requires careful attention and proper treatment for any of those who experience it.
The root cause of CTS is when the median nerve of the forearm becomes compressed at the wrist and causes symptoms. While this problem may seem simple enough to understand, the truth is that there are a few major issues about CTS that are commonly misunderstood.
- CTS isn’t accurately described as a painful condition. Pain occurs far less frequently than most people realize. Usually CTS causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and sometimes the ring finger. Generalized weakness and fatigue in the muscles of the hand are actually the most common symptoms associated with CTS.
- Believe it or not, CTS is becoming less and less common in people who sit in front of computer terminals for a large portion of their day. The fact is that modern keyboards are being designed with much more ergonomic considerations than previous models. Old fashioned typewriters were horrendous contributors of CTS, but todays devices are much more hand and wrist friendly. Athletes and people who operate vibrating machinery like jackhammers are now in the occupations that see the most CTS problems. Also, people with health conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk.
- Like most health conditions, it is better to treat CTS sooner rather than later. Fact is that moderate to severe CTS symptoms won’t get better on their own. It is important to seek the right carpal tunnel treatment as soon as possible to prevent it from getting any worse than it absolutely has to be.
- Multiple possibilities exist for effective carpal tunnel treatment. Fear not if you suffer from some form of the condition because surgery is usually seen as a last resort. There are plenty of braces and non-prescription anti-inflammatory medications that can help.
“Mueller Sports Medicine, Inc.” supplies kinesiology tape and fitted wrist braces that can be very effective in treating symptoms of CTS. Visit our webpage today for more information.