Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Essay Example

Carpal Tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure exerted on the median nerve in the wrist.  Most patients have no clear idea what causes this condition to occur.  The tendon inflation can result from repetitive exercises like typing.  Other connections have been made to conditions such as obesity, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, diabetes, arthritis.  ” Any condition that causes swelling or a change in position of the tissue within the carpal tunnel can squeeze and irritate the median nerve. Irritation of the median nerve in this manner causes tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, and the middle fingers, a condition known as “carpal tunnel syndrome.” (William C. Shiel Jr., 2010).

The effects of CTS tend to be worse during the nightime or early in the mornings. The tingling sensation can be relieved by shaking the hand. Symptoms are often mild but can deteriorate to the point that you cannot have full dexterity in your hand. This may result in the inability to grip things  or perform simple manual tasks.  More severe cases have resulted in the thumb muscles wasting away or permanent damage to the median nerve.  Without resulting to surgery there are certain medicines that your GP might refer:

• Corticosteroid tablets  for two to four weeks can provide relief of your symptoms in the short term but they have side-effects if you take them for a long time.
• Steroid injections (for example hydrocortisone) into the carpal tunnel. Your pain may get a little worse for a couple of days after the injection, but symptoms should improve after that.  (Source : BUPA UK).