Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Most of us follow a similar routine each day. From waking up in the morning until going to bed, many activities are the same from day to day. And many of us dosen’t understand what our body need actually. This includes work, whether it's sitting in front of a computer or operating machinery. And mostly,we just think about how we can work for my company but didn’t think about our healthy condition.

Repetition is a part of life, but it can occasionally bring about health problems. One such example that has shown to be related to work life is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The repetitive motions involved in the tasks of computer users, assembly line workers, cashiers, and hairdressers put these individuals at greater risk. Other common causes include infections or growths, osteoarthritis, fluid build-up, and pregnancy.

But how do you know if you might have carpal tunnel syndrome? Below are a few key indicators:

• Numbness is one of the first signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. You may experience tingling sensation in your thumb or fingers, and any activities that require you to bend or flex your wrist will make the numbness worse. The numbness may subside only to reappear again, but if CTS worsens, the numbness will become more constant. Activities that may cause numbness include driving, writing, holding objects, combing your hair or simply sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
• Another common sign of carpal tunnel syndrome is a loss in strength and muscle. For example, you may begin to see your grip weakening, whether you're holding a book or carrying a bag. This is caused by increased pressure on the median nerve. Enduring cases of CTS will cause the muscles of your thumb to decrease in size over time.
• In correlation with a decrease in strength is the increase in dropped objects. This is a frequent complaint of those with carpal tunnel syndrome. Something as simple as carrying a box into your garage may become a challenge. Because of the numbness in your thumbs and fingers, you may not notice an object slipping from your grip. For many individuals experiencing CTS, this can be a frightening and eye-opening experience.
• Though not as common as other symptoms, pain is still an indicator of carpal tunnel syndrome. Many times, the unrelenting numbness in your fingers can cause an aching sensation which may spread through your shoulders and neck. Severe cases of CTS may be accompanied by a burning pain in the wrist and hand.

Our routines become a part of us and the lives we build. However, in some instances, the repetitions that are part of every day may cause health issues. If your daily routine results in carpal tunnel syndrome, knowing the symptoms can help you identify the condition and seek treatment more quickly for a faster recovery.

Kitchi Joyce is the Director of Administrative Services for Southern Orthopaedics Specialists, a full service Atlanta orthopedic practice specializing in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. Southern Orthopaedics Specialists has multiple locations around the Atlanta Metro area where doctors, physicians and medical staff patients live and perform at the peak of their physical ability. Decades of experience, education and research means that all your needs for orthopedic doctors in Atlanta are covered, from cartilage restoration to spine care and sports medicine.