Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Did you know that after working on a computer all day, those pains in your hands and thumbs can be avoided? This report will outline a condition called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which affects important nerves in the body. This report will examine the medical explanation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (C.T.S) and its symptoms. Also there will be analysis on how to prevent and treat C.T.S. What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? The carpal tunnel is a channel on the palm side of the wrist where the bones are arranged in a semi-circle with a tough ligament called the, “transverse carpal ligament,” creating a tunnel (BUPA). Within this tunnel is a median nerve that travels from the arm into the hand, connecting to the skin of the thumb, index and middle fingers, and half of the ring finger. In addition, it supplies sensation to the base muscles of the thumb. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve is squeezed as it passes through the narrow carpal tunnel at the wrist (The Arthritis Society). Due to the lack of room in the carpal tunnel, any swelling around the wrist will cause compression upon the median nerve (BUPA), and result in some of the symptoms listed below. The repetition of a certain task, which involves heavy use of the wrist or hand, such as typing and playing video games (Altawell), can instigate the compression of the median nerve. What are the Symptoms? Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be observed in the hand and/or fingers. The most common symptoms include aching, tingling, a swollen feeling, burning, numbness and pain (BUPA) in the hand/fingers. When any nerve is bumped considerably, or has enough pressure applied to it, the above symptoms will occur (The Arthritis Society). The effects of C.T.S are most felt during the night or early in the morning, and many claim that they feel temporary relief from these symptoms by hanging their

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