What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a fairly common condition that affects the hand and wrist. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and pain, usually in your thumb and the first three fingers of your hand and happens when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm to your hand through a narrow space called the carpel tunnel, is compressed or pinched.
There are four superficial flexor tendons of the fingers and the muscular flexor tendon of the thumb which all pass through the tunnel. If the space in the tunnel reduces due to inflammation of tendons or build up fluid, this can cause an accumulation of pressure on the median nerve which also runs through the tunnel, causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Symptoms
The symptoms begin gradually, often causing a sensation of heat, cramp, pain, weakness or numbness of the hand and wrist, especially the middle and index finger. In severe cases the sense of touch can be lost. The symptoms can be exacerbated by excessive movement of the wrist and hand and can often disrupt sleep and hand function during the day.
Treatment
Reducing wrist movement as far as possible can help to reduce the symptoms, which is why it is often very effective to use an immobilising wrist splint and anti-inflammatory medication. The combined effect decreases pressure on the median nerve.
Video
We have teamed up with our partners Orliman to put together a short video which outlines the condition, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in more detail. It is presented by their leading Orthopaedic Doctor and showcases one of the most popular medically approved products supplied to patients suffering from this condition.
Product
Our recommended product for this common condition is our Orliman Bilateral Wrist Splint.
Please visit our website www.orthotix.co.uk to learn more about our award winning business and range of medically approved products designed for various pathologies and sporting injuries.
