Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the compression of the median nerve as it passes into the hand. The median nerve is located on the palm side of our hand (also called the carpal tunnel). The median nerve provides sensation (ability to feel) to our thumb, index finger, long finger, and part of the ring finger. It supplies the impulse to the muscle going to the thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur in one or both of our hands.
Swelling inside our wrist causes the compression in carpal tunnel syndrome. It can lead to numbness, weakness, and tingling on the side of our hand near the thumb.
- Diabetes
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Fluid retention from pregnancy or menopause
- High blood pressure
- Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Fractures or trauma to the wrist
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be made worse if the wrist is overextended repeatedly. Repeated motion of our wrist contributes to swelling and compression of the median nerve. This may be the result of:
- Positioning of our wrists while using our keyboard or mouse
- Prolonged exposure to vibrations from using hand tools or power tools
- Any repeated movement that overextends our wrist, such as playing the piano or typing
Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Women are three times more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome than men. Carpal tunnel syndrome is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60. Certain conditions increase risk for developing it, including
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Arthritis
Lifestyle factors that may increase the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome include
1. Smoking
2. High salt intake,
3. Sedentary lifestyle, and
4. High body mass index (BMI).
Jobs that involve repetitive wrist movement include:
- Manufacturing
- Assembly line work
- Keyboarding occupations
- Construction work.
People employed in these occupations may be at higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
The symptoms are usually found along the nerve path because of compression of the median nerve.Our hand may “fall asleep” frequently and drop objects. Other symptoms include:
- Numbness, tingling, and pain in your thumb and the first three fingers of your hand
- Pain and burning that travels up your arm
- Wrist pain at night that interferes with sleep
- Weakness in the muscles of the hand
Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Doctors can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome can be diagnose by
- Physical examination,
- Tests called nerve conduction studies.
A physical examination includes a detailed evaluation of our hand, wrist, shoulder, and neck to check for any other causes of nerve pressure.Doctor will look at our wrists for signs of tenderness, swelling, and any deformities. They will check sensation to the fingers and strength of the muscles in our hand.
Nerve conduction studies are diagnostic tests that can measure the conduction speed of your nerve impulses. If the nerve impulse is slower than normal as the nerve passes into the hand, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome.
Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be prevented by making lifestyle changes that reduce our risk factors for developing it.
Treating conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis reduces our risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Homeopathic Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of pain and symptoms.Homeopathic treatment depend upon symptoms severity and thorough case history of patient.It treat patient as a whole not a particular disease
Arnica :- Useful remedy for flare-ups of inflammation or new injuries caused by repetitive use of the fingers and wrists. There is feeling of bruised and sore, and cramping may occur.
Calcarea phosphorica :- There is pain in the bones and nerves of the wrists and arms, and stiffness and discomfort may also involve the neck.Useful when cold and drafts often aggravate discomfort.Useful when person feel irritable and sensitive, or weak from overwork and pain.
Causticum :- Useful when carpal tunnel syndrome is long-lasting or recurring. There is feeling of bruised with drawing, burning pains.There is stiffness and a feeling of weakness and contraction in the muscles of the hand and forearm. The condition is worse from getting cold and improved by warm applications.
Guaiacum :- Indicated in carpal tunnel syndrome when the wrists (especially the left) are stiff with burning pain, and significantly relieved by applying ice or ice-cold water. There is so much tightness, the person may feel a need to stretch the wrist, despite the pain.
Hypericum :- Useful if sharp or shooting pains are felt extending from the wrist.There is soothing effect when body parts containing many nerves are injured.Also useful traumatic nerve conditions.
Rhus toxicodendron :- Useful when stiffness and pain are worse on initial motion and improve as movement continues.There is soreness, pain, and further stiffening.There is discomfort which is relieved by warmth and worse in cold, damp weather.
NEURALGIA DROP
