Recently, I've had pain and tingling in my fingers, making it harder for me to do routine tasks. Do I have carpal tunnel syndrome? What can I do to ease the pain? Is there a carpal tunnel treatment?
A: The classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain, weakness, tingling and numbness in the thumb, index finger and middle fingers. Symptoms often occur at night, especially in people who sleep with their wrists flexed. But as the condition progresses, you may feel tingling during the day. It may become difficult to make a fist, grasp small objects or do other tasks with your hands. Based on your description, you certainly could be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.
The floor of the carpal tunnel consists of a U-shaped cluster of bones at the base of the hand. A band of fibrous tissue (the transverse carpal ligament) arches across the bones, forming the roof of the tunnel. The median nerve, which relays sensations on the thumb and fingers, runs through the tunnel. It also transmits signals to muscles that move the fingers and thumb. If the tunnel narrows, as it does when the hand is flexed or extended, it puts pressure on the nerve. This decreases the blood supply to the nerve, causing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects 2 percent to 3 percent of the population. The problem can be caused by various factors, including heredity, bone dislocations or fractures, hormones, being overweight and having certain diseases, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Your occupation and how you hold your hands may also contribute: Doing assembly-line work or keeping your wrist bent for long periods (while driving, for example) ups the risk.
Despite widespread belief, using a computer -- even up to seven hours a day -- does not appear to increase the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. In fact, a 2007 study in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism linked intensive keyboard use (four hours or more a day) to a lower risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
However, computer users may find themselves at risk for other hand disorders. These can be caused by repetitive finger motions and contracting the forearm and wrist muscles for a long periods. Improperly positioning the keyboard or gripping the mouse too tightly can also cause problems. If you think your job is contributing to your symptoms, ask your employer about an ergonomic evaluation of your workspace, and make sure you use good body mechanics.
http://www.reporternews.com/news/2008/sep/29/no-headline---harvard/
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