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The pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome

Do you feel a sharp burning sensation in your wrist? Or maybe a tingling sensation that runs from your fingers to your arm? If so, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition can occur for a variety of reasons. Left untreated, it can result in significant limitations. However, there is hope! By knowing the cause and possible remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome, it is possible to recover.

What is carpal tunnel?

The carpal tunnel is a space that runs through the wrist. It is formed by the bones of the wrist, which are connected by a ligament. The space formed by these structures is called the “carpal tunnel”. However, this tunnel is not empty… In fact, the median nerve of the hand and the tendons are located there. The tendons are particularly important for movements involving bending the fingers. The median nerve is located in the center and is surrounded by the tendons. As an integral part of the nervous system, it transmits signals from the brain for finger and hand movements. Conversely, it is also this nerve that is responsible for retransmitting the tactile sensations of the hand.

The condition known as “carpal tunnel syndrome” occurs when there is inflammation and swelling of the tendons. This compresses the nerve in the hand, which is encircled by the tendons, and can damage it.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

It is not uncommon for carpal tunnel syndrome to result from another pathology or condition. The latter are autoimmune conditions, meaning that they cause the immune system to attack healthy structures in the body, or diseases that affect joint function. Examples include arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or gout, to name a few. These diseases can lead to inflammation in the wrist.

In other cases, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by repetitive movements of the wrist or overuse of this joint. These are often related to professional functions, such as computer work or assembly line work, which require repetitive movements of the hand and wrist.

Pregnancy is another situation in which this syndrome can occur. Pregnancy often causes an accumulation of fluid in different parts of the body, which leads to swelling. In the case of the wrists, this compresses the median nerve.

What are the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome?

Compression of the median nerve, which runs through the wrist and is important for finger and hand movement, can result in a variety of symptoms. Here are the most common ones:

Numbness of the hand and a tingling sensation;

A burning sensation in the hand and wrist;

Hand pain, which is often nocturnal;

Pain that can extend into the arm and even into the shoulder;

Loss of dexterity;

Loss of strength in the fingers and hand.

Because of these symptoms, seemingly simple actions that involve the fingers and hands may become more difficult. For example, it may become more difficult to unscrew a cap, open a package, tie your shoes, etc.

How do we deal with this problem?

First of all, it is important to know that certain things can be done at home to relieve the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. First of all, rest is the key, meaning that activities requiring repetitive movements of the wrist should be stopped. Next, the application of ice for periods of 15 minutes per hour will help control the pain and inflammation. Taking analgesics, such as Genacol Fast Action, is also recommended in case of pain.

As for treatment, several avenues are possible. Wearing an orthosis can sometimes be appropriate to correct the position of the wrist in order to avoid movements that cause pain. Physiotherapy treatments, involving specific exercises, can also be part of the management of this syndrome. These approaches are recommended, but surgical interventions may sometimes be necessary if no results are obtained.

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