Carpal tunnel syndrome, which is often referred to as "CTS" is a challenging health condition that affects millions of individuals on an international basis.
The neuropathy that occurs in the wrist when an individual suffers from this condition is identified as "Median".
It is identified as such due to the fact that the nerve that is affected by the compression that occurs when this condition develops is identified as the "Median Nerve".
When this nerve is compressed for one reason or another, many uncomfortable situations and symptoms occur.
It has been established that in most cases of the condition, there is no one, specific cause.
Medical professionals refer to this as "Idiopathic".
Here, you will learn several facts regarding carpal tunnel syndrome.
The Anatomy at a Glance Many do not realize it, but the carpal tunnel is actually a small canal located in the wrist.
On three sides of this region, there is bone.
On the remaining side of the carpal tunnel, there is a ligament that is identified as the "Transverse Ligament".
Amazingly, despite the fact that the carpal tunnel is so small, there are an amazing nine tendons that actually go through the region.
Many medical professionals refer to these tendons as the "Flexors" of the hand.
Seeing that the median nerve goes through this region with all of these tendons, it is very easy to see and understand that any slight differential in the region could result in compression.
There are many complications that could result in the mild to severe compression of the median nerve.
These complications include the reduction of the overall size of the carpal tunnel in the wrist, inflammation of the tissue in the region, an increased size of the tendons, or a combination of all of these complications.
Many do not realize just how easy it is to affect this carpal tunnel in the wrist.
If a person were to flex their wrist in one direction or another completely, it will decrease the size of this tunnel completely.
When there is compression on the median nerve, many symptoms are typically experienced.
Symptoms Individuals that are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome typically experience a wide range of challenging symptoms as the condition progresses.
In most cases, the individual will experience symptoms as they attempt to rest each day.
The first sign usually involves numbness in the wrist and/or hand in general.
This may or may not be accompanied by what medical professionals refer to as "Paresthesia".
This is the sensation that almost feels like the area is tingling or burning in a way.
The most commonly affected regions include the index finger as well as the middle finger.
The thumb is also usually affected.
Additionally, it is not at all uncommon for the palm to become subjected to the same sensations when carpal tunnel is experienced.
If you find that you are experiencing challenges with your hands and/or wrists, it is important to set up an appointment so that you may be evaluated.
There are many productive treatment measures that may help to eliminate the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.