Aches and pains are a common occurrence as you grow older. The body’s tissues begin to deteriorate and the joints that allow you to bend and flex slowly grow stiff and eventually cause pain. Small amounts of irritating joint pain caused from regular movement is bearable and no cause for alarm, but larger aches and pains that come about from repetitive movements or traumatic injuries need immediate attention. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or CTS, is one type of pain that you should watch for and never ignore.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients
CTS effects one in six adults. The symptoms of CTS usually present in people over the age of 30, with twice as many men diagnosed as women. In fact, in the United States, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most diagnosed complications related to muscle and joint pain, resulting in a huge number of doctor visits and insurance claims. But, even though many people will find themselves confronting CTS in their lifetime, there still exists a great deal of confusion about what CTS is, how it can be treated and how it can even be prevented.
CTS Symptoms
When determining if you have CTS you can look for a variety of symptoms. First, be aware that CTS commonly occurs in your dominate hand. Since CTS is caused by increased pressure of the median nerve located at the wrist, it makes sense that your most used hand would be the recipient of the most trauma. Symptoms vary, but simply include any type of numbness in the hand or loss of dexterity – especially if you notice your handwriting changing or becoming more sloppy. Strength in your hand may also diminish and become non-existent and painful. Be mindful that these symptoms start slowly and grow over time. The best defense against CTS is to notice it early and take immediate precautions.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
The best treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release or ECTR. It is a minimally invasive technique that is only performed at a few practices in the United States including the Nebraska Hand & Shoulder Institute. This procedure is so effective, that many patients talk about relief just hours after the surgery. And, many patients are able to return to work on the same day. These patients leave the ECTR surgery with no types of braces and with no need of physical therapy.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is painful and debilitating, but you don’t have to let it ruin your daily routine. With the correct treatment and proper care you can gain control of the pain and get back to your life. But, don’t be fooled by the misinformation out there pertaining to CTS. To help you get and keep the facts straight we’ve put together an infographic outlining the Facts and Myths of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. See below:
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