Dr. Modabber explains what CTS is and symptoms to look for.
Article Links: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Self-Care: Relief Without Surgery | First For Women
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression and inflammation of the median nerve, the nerve that helps you move your hand, fingers, wrist and forearm.
“It can lead to symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling in the affected hand, specifically in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and a portion of the ring finger,” says M. Ramin Modabber, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, CA. That can make it tougher to do simple, everyday tasks like buttoning your shirt or using a key to unlock a door.
CTS happens when your median nerve gets squashed or damaged from excess pressure. It can develop from a wrist injury, performing repetitive motions with your hand or wrist (like using a computer or knitting) or frequently using vibrating tools (like a drill if you’re big into DIY home improvement projects).
Why Women Are More at Risk for CTS
You might’ve heard that using a computer can make you more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome. While that’s true, it’s far from the only factor. Hormonal shifts that occur during menopause may raise CTS risk, possibly by increasing inflammation of the median nerve, experts theorize. So it makes sense that the condition affects women three times more often than men. (Click through to see the 7 best menopause treatments that work to ease symptoms head to toe.)
Certain health conditions can factor in, too. “Because CTS is characterized by inflammation, people with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or high blood pressure may have an increased CTS risk,” adds Dr. Modabber.
Can Carpel Tunnel Self-care Work for You?
CTS that causes mild to moderate symptoms (meaning they’re annoying but don’t have a major impact on your daily life) can usually be managed at home, perhaps with the addition of some physical therapy. But it’s a good idea to have the problem checked out so you and your doctor can decide on the best way to treat it.
“The best approach to CTS is to have it evaluated as soon as possible,” Dr. Modabber says. “CTS tends to worsen if pressure on the median nerve continues over time, so proper diagnosis and a treatment plan are essential.”
It’s also worth making sure you’re actually dealing with CTS and not another problem that can cause similar symptoms, such as tendonitis (inflamed tendons).
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