According to statistics, workers who are affected with carpal tunnel syndrome have missed their working as many as 31 days in just 2016. The problem is really very huge such that on an average almost 30 days have been missed by the workers because they are afflicted with carpal tunnel syndrome. A lot of people ignore the symptoms until it is fully developed and becomes a bigger problem. It is suggested that early diagnosis along with treatment is must to avoid a painful future.
So what exactly is carpal tunnel syndrome?
As per medical experts, “Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.” It can be genetic or non-genetic. Hence it can happen to anyone. The reason behind this can be the bad lifestyle followed by most of us.
Cause of carpal tunnel?
When the pressure is applied on the median nerve (the nerve which goes straight and is of the length of the arm) which goes through the wrist, the pressure causes to slow the movement of the hand and enhance pain in the hand which leads to this painful condition named as carpal tunnel. The purpose of this median nerve is to control the movement of the hand and all the fingers except the pinkie finger.
The problem affects the movement of the hand and fingers as well as can cause swelling and pain. If you ever have faced the problem then you might know that how painful this condition is.
Some other causes are:
The repetitive action done by you in which hands lie lower than the wrist such as typing, chopping of the food, gardening and much more are the main causes of the problem.
Other than these if a person is diabetic, faces obesity problems then these health problems can also create a carpal tunnel problem.
Treatment
There are various types of ways which are used to treat this problem such as exercise, correct work posture, wrist guards, surgery and much more.
Here is a list of 3 exercises which will help you to treat the problem at a faster rate:
Usually, with the help of these exercises, your pain will ease in 2 weeks and you will recover completely in 3 to 4 weeks. However, the time can vary as per the condition of the carpal tunnel syndrome.
It is recommended to you that you should continue these exercises up to 7 to 8 weeks to prevent the problem in the future. Other than this, you can also keep your handguard with the help of the carpal tunnel braces such that you will get ease from pain as well as the problem will recover before expected time.
1. Wrist bend
Remove your carpal tunnel braces for a few minutes. Keep a table in front of you and rest your elbows on that table. Keep your wrist straight pointing up the arms. Bend your wrist gradually at a right angle (forward) and keep it there for 5 seconds. Then straighten it upward and then gently move it at a left angle (backward) for 5 seconds. Repeat the process 10 times at once and do it 3 times a day.
2. Wrist flex
Keep your arm straight, bend your wrist downwards, hold the palm with the help of another hand. Support it with other hand and apply little pressure backward. Hold it for 25 to 30 seconds. Do exercise 3 times.
3. Wrist stretch with some weight
Hold a lightweight in your hands, keep your arms straight in front of your palms. Keep your palm down. Gently bend your wrist upwards and then in straight position. Repeat the same exercise 10 times and do it 3 times a day to get relief from pain.
You should increase the weight gradually as you see that there is progress and you can hold more weight. Start with the lightweight.
You will see a great impact of the exercises.
Summary
Usually, the problem can be treated easily. It is recommended that you should wear carpal tunnel braces to support your wrist and to get relief from pain instantly. It will also help you to recover at a faster rate. The symptoms of the problem are severe at night so don’t forget to support your wrist with carpal tunnel braces especially at night.
Author Bio:
Rohit Bimbrahw is currently working as the Project Manager at Home HealthCare Shoppe; the medical supply extension of Port Coquitlam’s Wilson Pharmacy. At Home Healthcare Shoppe, we believe that with great health and wellbeing, anyone can live a fun and purposeful life.
