How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Can Affect You

07 Mar How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Can Affect You

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a certain mononeuropathy that causes pain in the hands and wrists. It typically presents with a tingling or numbing sensation in the affected hand. The pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is typically caused by the compression of the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand through the carpal tunnel, a passageway in the wrist. The median nerve provides sensation to and from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and innervates many muscles in the anterior forearm and arm.

How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome develops in the arms or forearms

An impediment or narrowing of the carpal tunnel (a passageway in the wrist) will lead to compression of the nerve that passes through it, and this results in numbness, pain, or weakness in the affected area. Different factors can cause the development of CTS. The most common include injuries to the wrist or hand, age, frequent use of vibrating hand tools, arthritis, etc.

Other factors that can cause or worsen carpal tunnel syndrome include under activity of the thyroid gland, fluid retention during pregnancy, tumor or cyst, and overactivity of the pituitary gland. Call (844) GET-STEM to know more about stem cell therapy. 

Women have a higher chance of developing CTS than men because they have a narrower carpal tunnel compared to men. People working in an industry that involves cleaning, sewing, finishing, hairstyling, baking, etc., are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

Signs and Symptoms of CTS

The initial symptoms of CTS include burning, itching numbness, or tingling sensation in the lower portion of the affected limb, particularly the palm, thumb, middle finger, and index finger. The symptoms usually occur at night because most people sleep with a flexed wrist, which worsens the situation.

Also, people with CTS tend to have decreased hand strength and may find it difficult to grasp objects tightly, form a fist, or do regular physical tasks involving the hands. When CTS becomes severe, the pain may also radiate to the forearm, and the hand may lose its sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures.

How does CTS affect your day-to-day activities?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can limit the things you can do. From finding it difficult to hold onto small items, to having problems lifting or carrying things. Even things as simple as hair brushing, opening a bottle, or sorting or signing documents.

For work-related activities, CTS may cause pain that prevents the performance of tasks that involve using of hands. CTS may cause work hindrances for those that need the hands to lift or grasp things at work.

CTS can also restrict you from getting jobs in certain industries, like in warehousing, shipment, or delivery. Other restrictions include working in IT, data entry, or word processing. Driving, maintaining, and repairing things may also be a problem.

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As a result of the pain experienced in the movement of the hands, there’s a chance that you have to wear a brace on the affected area to reduce the pain. Yoga and meditation help to relax the mind and body as well as the muscles. However, if the pain becomes acute, you may need to go through a more intensive treatment to relieve you of the pain and discomfort.

Regenerative therapy works for a good number of orthopedic conditions, one of which is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. R3 Stem Cell Institute offers stem cell therapy in Phoenix Arizona. Visit us today to schedule your CTS consultation!