What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, pressed or trapped at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the back of the fingers (except the little finger) and the impulses of some small muscles in the hand that allow them to move the fingers and thumb. The carpal tunnel-a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand contains the nerve and tendons medium.

Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and cause them to compress the median nerve. The result can be pain, weakness or numbness of the hand and wrist, radiating across the arm. Although painful sensations may indicate other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compression neuropathies and widely known of which are compressed or traumatized body’s peripheral nerves.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Symptoms usually begin gradually and are manifested by feelings of warmth, cramping, or numbness in the palm and fingers, especially the thumb and index and middle fingers. Some patients with carpal tunnel syndrome say their fingers feel swollen and useless, although no apparent swelling. Symptoms often first appear in one or both hands during the night, since many people sleep with bent wrists.

A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may wake up feeling the need to “shake” the hand or wrist. As symptoms worsen, patients begin to feel the cramp during the day. The decrease in the pulse of the hand can hamper a fist, grasp small objects or perform other manual tasks. In chronic cases and / or untreated, the muscles at the base of the thumb can weaken or atrophy. Some people can not distinguish between heat and cold by touch.

(Caution: People with diabetes or a predisposition to diabetes should be aware that prolonged use of corticosteroids can make it difficult to regulate insulin levels. The corticosterioides not be taken without being prescribed by a doctor.) In addition, some studies show that supplements of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) may relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Exercise – The stretching and strengthening exercises can be beneficial for people whose symptoms have subsided. These exercises may be supervised by a properly trained physiotherapist to treat physical impairments through exercise, or by a properly trained occupational therapist to evaluate patients with physical impairments and helping them acquire skills to improve their health and wellbeing.

Alternative therapies – acupuncture treatments and / or chiropractors have benefited some patients but their true efficacy has not been proven. Yoga is the exception, since it has been shown to reduce pain and improve the pulse in the hand in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.