Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpel tunnel syndrome is a common neurological disorder that effect hand and wrist cause pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and wrist. It happens when the median nerve that run from forearm into the hand become compressed as it passes through narrow passageway called the carpel tunnel (It is a narrow canal or tube located on the palm side of the wrist, just below the base of the hand that allows the median nerve and tendons to connect the hand and forearm. It is a protective sheath for important structures that pass through it, including tendons and the median nerve. It helps maintain the structural integrity of the wrist and allows for the smooth movement of the fingers and wrist.)

Median nerve provide sensation to the index, middle fingers and half of the ring finger. It also control some of the muscle that move the thumb. When this nerve is compress by various reasons it produces the following symptoms.

Symptoms of carpel tunnel syndrome:

• Symptoms usually start gradually with frequent numbness or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers particularly at night. Some people sleep with their wrists curled, so nighttime symptoms are common and can wake people from sleep. Patients feel tingling during the day, especially with certain activities such as talking on the phone, reading a book or newspaper, or driving.

• Individuals with CTS may experience pain in the hand and wrist. This pain can vary in intensity and may radiate up the arm. It is often worse at night or during activities that aggravate the condition, such as gripping objects or repetitive hand movements.

• Weakness in hand may make it difficult to grasp small objects or perform other tasks and tendency to drop objects as the condition progress.

• Some individuals with Carpal tunnel syndrome notice a burning sensation in the hand or wrist, which can be uncomfortable and painful.

• In chronic and/or untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may shrink and waste away. Some people with very severe carpal tunnel syndrome cannot determine between hot and cold by touch. Symptoms can extend beyond the hand and wrist and travel up the forearm or even into the shoulder.

• Certain activities, such as typing on a keyboard, using a computer mouse, gripping tools, or driving, can worsen the symptoms of Carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes of carpal tunnel syndrome:

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be caused by various factors that result in pressure or compression on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Some of the common causes of Carpal tunnel syndrome CTS include:

1- The natural anatomy of the wrist can play a role. Some people may have a narrower carpal tunnel, making them more susceptible to compression of the median nerve.

2- Repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as typing on a keyboard, using a computer mouse, operating hand tools, can contribute to the development of CTS over time.

3-Prolonged or repetitive use of hand and wrist positions that flex or extend the wrist, such as prolonged use of a computer keyboard with improper hand positioning, can increase the risk of CTS.

4-Repeated use of vibrating hand tools like in construction or using power tools may cause carpal tunnel syndrome

5-Certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis ( causes inflammation and swelling on wrist), diabetes ( due to increased blood sugar level high risk of nerve damage including median nerve) , obesity( increased body wt contribute increased pressure on carpal tunnel), pregnancy and factors can increase the risk of Carpal tunnel syndrome.

6-Trauma or injury to the wrist that cause swelling, such as sprain or fracture can lead to swelling and pressure on median nerve.

7-Repeated sleeping on a bent wrist

8-Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to develop CTS.

9-Hormonal imbalances or changes, such as those associated with menopause or thyroid disorders, can affect the connective tissues and increase the risk of Carpal tunnel syndrome.

10-Although it can occur at any age, but CTS is more common in middle-aged and older individuals,

11-Women are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome due to hormonal changes.

Homeopathic treatment: Here are a few homeopathic remedies that have been suggested for Carpal tunnel syndrome:

Arnica, Bellis perennis, Brachyglottis, Calcarea flour, Calcarean phos, Causticum, Guaiacum, Hypericum, Ruta, Rhus t, Viola odorata

it is important to consult with a qualified and experienced homeopathic practitioner for a detailed medical history and prescribe a remedy that is specific to your symptoms and constitution.

Management of carpal tunnel syndrome:

1. Physiotherapy can help by exercises for stretching and strengthening to improve wrist strength and flexibility, nerve gliding exercises can help the nerve move better within your carpal tunnel so consult with your physiotherapist to get good result.

2. Applying cold packs to the wrist for short periods may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

3. If you are overweight, losing weight may reduce the pressure on your median nerve and improve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.

4. Adjust your work space and mouse setup, take regular breaks to rest your hand can help to reduce strain on the median nerve.

5. Identify and minimize activities that aggravates symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.