Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that accounts for approximately 90% of all neuropathies. In fact, it affects around 1 to 3 individuals per 1,000 people yearly in the United States.

The condition occurs when the median nerve in one or both wrists is compressed and causes numbness and tingling in the hand. Without treatment, it can affect the quality of your life and prevent you from doing daily activities.

Here’s everything you should know about CTS according to a certified hand therapist in Freehold, NJ.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What Is It?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy that occurs when the median nerve gets compressed. The median nerve is a sensory and motor nerve located in the anterior forearm and passes through the carpal tunnel (palm-side of the arm). This is a narrow passageway of ligaments and bones at the base of the hand.

The median nerve provides sensation to your thumb, index and middle finger, and a part of the ring finger. In this way, the condition results in numbness and weakness in the hand.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Inflammation in the carpal tunnel can cause swelling and compression, putting pressure on the median nerve. But why does this inflammation occur? Though it can develop for many reasons, it’s more likely to occur with frequent wrist motions and repetitive finger use.

Inflammation can also occur due to an underlying medical condition, causing swelling in the wrist and sometimes blocking the blood flow.

Here are some causes often linked with carpal tunnel syndrome:

  1. Diabetes
  2. Fluid retention (often from menopause or pregnancy).
  3. Fractures
  4. Hypertension
  5. Hypothyroidism
  6. Lesions in the wrist
  7. Overactive pituitary gland
  8. Repetitive actions
  9. Repeated use of vibrating tools
  10. Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.
  11. Thyroid problems
  12. Trauma to the wrist
  13. Tumor in the carpal tunnel

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The median nerve provides sensation to most of your fingers and moves four muscles of the hand. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome result from abnormalities in these functions.

a person holding their wrist

They include:

  1. Pain in the hand and wrist.
  2. Burning or tingling sensations in your thumb and index, middle, and ring fingers. It often travels up your arm.
  3. Lowered dexterity in the hands.
  4. Numbness in the said fingers.
  5. Poor quality of sleep due to the pain in the wrist.
  6. Weakness in the muscles of the hand and fingers, particularly in the thumb.

Do you want to benefit from professional hand therapy in Freehold, NJ? Then why not consider our services!

At Able Hands Rehabilitation, we provide quality treatment for various medical conditions and traumas, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Our leading certified hand therapists in Freehold, NJ, provide therapy for various conditions to ensure you get proper treatment for them. These include fractures, stiffness, and trigger finger therapy in Freehold, NJ.

Contact us today for further help.