Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Julie Ann Stokes Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and very inconvenient health condition that is caused by pressure on the nerves around the wrist joint. The carpal tunnel lies between the carpal bones and a ligament that lies across the front of the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome develops through too much stress being placed upon the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve connects to your hand and is the ‘controlling nerve’ when it comes to feeling and sensation in the fingers and thumb. SYMPTOMS The general symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include: * A painful, tingling sensation in the wrist. * Weakness in the forearm. * Hand weakness and a tingling sensation there. * A feeling of burning in the hand and wrist (and sometimes in the forearm). * An intermittent searing pain shooting down your back from your neck and shoulders. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can range from mild to severe. CAUSES Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur as a result of: * A hand or wrist injury of some sort Playing too much tennis (or another racquet sport, such as badminton or squash where there is continual stress and pressure placed upon the forearm, wrist and hand) * Rheumatoid arthritis * Bone cancer Repetitive use of a computer keyboard, mobile phone or other device where continuous pressing down of the fingers (and therefore wrist and wrist/hand muscle movement) is involved. Although there is no clinical evidence as such where computer use being a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, it is vital that you adopt a correct posture when working at a keyboard or keyboard-activated console of some sort. DIAGNOSIS If you are suffering from the these symptoms and think that you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, arrange an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will make a decision as to whether you need
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