Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Warnings

A surprising statistic shows that there are literally million of women who are at risk for developing CTS or carpal tunnel syndrome. CTS or carpal tunnel syndrome is easier to diagnose then most might think. Many with carpal tunnel say they experience tingling, swelling, pain and weakness in the wrist or hands. These complaints are usually associated with the hand that they use the most. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a rising problem in the United States and is responsible for many women and men losing work days. Surprisingly, Carpal tunnel syndrome does not strike at all at once. The syndrome starts slowly with perhaps numbness or a tingling sensation in the wrist and hands. According to researchers, these symptoms occur at night while the individual is sleeping. Consequently, many might not associate their daytime activities with causing the odd sensations in their wrist and hands.

CTS Causes
Statistics show more women are diagnosed with CTS then men. This might be due to a stronger genetic link in women which makes them more prone to the problem. Here are a few more things that increase the chances that an individual might develop CTS.

Repetitive Movements
Repetitive movements cause more than just boredom. Those individuals who perform the same task or movement over and over are the first to develop the syndrome. For example, those who work at assembly lines, carpenters, even check out clerks.

Trauma
Working with heavy power tools or heavy machinery could cause problems with the hands and wrist that lead to CTS.

Hormones
Those raging hormones in a pregnant woman's body might cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Medical researchers discovered that the excess fluid in a pregnant woman's body places them firmly at risk for developing the syndrome. And hormonal changes in menopausal women are also blamed for causing CTS.

Medical Problems
Existing medical problems like arthritis, obesity, lupus, are thought to cause the syndrome in some individuals.

Cures for CTS
There are several very effective treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. They include rest and medication for mild cases to physical therapy and surgery for more severe cases. Individuals suffering with the problem should consult with their doctor for immediate treatment to stop further damage to the wrist and hands.


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Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Information Clearinghouse, NIAMS, NIH, HHS
http://www.niams.nih.gov/