Have you ever felt a jolt of pain on your wrist and radiating up your arm after typing all day? How about a recurring weakness in your hand as you lift objects and do chores that demand handwork? If the answer is a positive “yes,” then you might want to consider going to the doctor and have your wrist checked for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS is a feeling in the hand of weakness, numbness, sharp pain, tingling, and other problems. This is caused by the compression of the nerve that runs from the forearm, through the wrist, and right into the palm. Some people even experience pain in their arm between their hand and their elbow.
The narrow passageway that houses the tendons and the median nerve is called the median nerve. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the fingers (except the pinky finger) and also impulses that allow the fingers to move. Thickening and swelling of the tendons makes the tunnel more rigid and causes pressure to the median nerve.
Unlike what others often thought, CTS is clearly not a passing cramp that is okay to be ignored. It is an excruciating progressive condition that should be treated after the offshoot of the first sign.
What are the causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Pressure on the median nerve usually causes CTS, but many other situations and even a combination of various factors can cause this swelling, such as:
• Hypothyroidism
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Doing similar hand and wrist movements repetitively
• Chores that require your wrist to bend down (your hands lower than your wrists), such as typing on the computer or drawing
What are the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Symptoms of CTS often occur in the fingers except the little or pinky finger. If you have problems with your other fingers but your little finger is fine, this may be a sign that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms happen gradually and occur at night.
How to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
For mild symptoms, you can:
• Stop activities that trigger the pain
• Rest your wrist every after an activity
• Put an ice bag on your wrist for 10 to 15 minutes
• Wear a wrist splint to take the pressure off your median nerve.
For acute cases, surgery is an option. To keep carpal tunnel syndrome from coming back, take care of your basic health. If you have a long-term health problem, follow your doctor’s advice always, unless you want to spend a grand for a stressful CTS surgery.
Related: Denver Workers’ Compensation Case Review: Duty to Report Injuries
For 15 years, the law office of Kaplan Morrell is Denver workers’ compensation law firm that has championed the cause of the disabled and seriously injured, including those who suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Since our establishment, our Denver workers’ compensation attorneys and Greeley workers’ compensation lawyers have been helping and assisting clients receive compensation and other their benefits under the employment laws of Colorado and the US.
At Kaplan Morrell, we bring an outstanding legal team to work on behalf of our clients. Our team is well-trained and experienced in fighting for the rights of injured workers and accident victims. Every client is important to us- our Denver disability lawyers will work tirelessly to help you get through the difficult times you face and obtain the benefits you deserve.
Call us today at 303.780.7329 for a FREE CONSULTATION.