What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Know the Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

YOGYAKARTA - Carpal tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the disorders of the hand that is quite common. This condition is often experienced by people who actively use their hands in daily activities. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, or weakness of the wrist and fingers. This condition will certainly interfere with your daily activities, and if not immediately treated, it can even permanently damage the median nerve.

Reported from the Cleveland Clinic, the following will discuss what you need to know about carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when something irritates or puts extra pressure on the median nerve that passes through your carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is a space in your wrist bone that allows tendons, ligaments, and nerves to pass through it to reach your hand.

The median nerve helps you move your forearm and gives sensation to most of your fingers and hand. If the nerve is damaged or compressed on the wall of your carpal tunnel, the nerve can send extra or wrong sensations to your hand and wrist.

Immediately visit a health service if you experience pain, numbness, or tingling in your hands and wrists. Carpal tunnel syndrome can usually return to normal immediately, but if it is not treated immediately, this condition can permanently damage your median nerve.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually develop slowly and become more pronounced over time. The following are the most common symptoms:

Numbness in the wrist, palm, or fingers (especially the fingertips) Pain in the wrist, palm, or fingers Tingling Difficulty using the hand to hold or control objects, for example, holding a cell phone, driving a car, holding a pen, or typing.

Usually, symptoms such as pain or tingling most often appear at night, even waking you up from sleep. Over time, these symptoms can also be felt during the day, especially if your work requires continuous repetitive movements, such as typing or writing.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs due to excessive pressure on the median nerve. This pressure is usually caused by swelling or irritation in the carpal tunnel. Anything that causes swelling or irritation in your wrist can trigger carpal tunnel syndrome, including:

Injury due to repetitive movements Arthritis Sprains (sprained) Wrist fractures Ganglion cysts (fluid-filled lumps on the joints or tendons) Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome

Anyone can experience carpal tunnel syndrome, but some people have a higher risk, namely:

People who perform repetitive movements with their hands and wrists while working (for example, swinging a hammer) People who use vibrating power tools (such as drills or jackhammers) Pregnant women Women (in general) Adults over 40 years of age People who have a close relative with carpal tunnel syndrome (this condition can be hereditary)

Having certain health conditions can also increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, including:

Rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis) Gout (gout) Hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency) Diabetes Obesity (obesity) Amyloidosis (abnormal protein accumulation in the body)

So is the discussion of carpal tunnel syndrome. If health workers do not immediately diagnose and treat it, irritation in your wrist can permanently damage the median nerve. Therefore, immediately see a health worker if you feel the symptoms so that you can get the right treatment immediately.

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