Carpal Tunnel: Are You At Risk?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a way of explaining what happens when the median nerve in the wrist becomes squeezed or pinched, creating numbness and pain in the hands and forearm. Over time, a repetitive activity can lead to a thickening of the tendons surrounding the nerve.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a way of explaining what happens when the median nerve in the wrist becomes squeezed or pinched, creating numbness and pain in the hands and forearm. Over time, a repetitive activity can lead to a thickening of the tendons surrounding the nerve.
When this happens, the nerve becomes pinched on a permanent basis and surgery may be required to fix the condition. The jury is still out as it pertains to exactly what activities are the most likely to produce the problem. Using power tools, doing repetitious work such as one might expect to do in a factory assembly line, or even using a computer can lead to issues.
Though it can be difficult to pinpoint the activities that could lead directly to carpal tunnel syndrome, there are a number of risk factors that can put you in a category that might be more prone to the condition. If you are in one of these categories, you should take reasonable precautions against developing the syndrome. If you feel pain or numbness begin to develop in your hands or wrists, see a doctor immediately and find ways in which you may be able to circumvent and prevent the worsening of the condition.
According to studies, women are much more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Some studies have put the increased risk at as much as three times higher than a man, even when performing the same duties. If you have family members with the condition, it is also far more likely that you will develop it given time and the right activities. The condition has been shown to be hereditary to some degree, as certain physical characteristics can lead to making you more susceptible to the pinching of the nerve.
Various health conditions can also lead to an increased risk factor for carpal tunnel. These include, thyroid disease, diabetes, arthritis, and obesity, among others. Women who are pregnant may also be more susceptible to the condition.
If you are in any of the above categories, talk to your doctor about the things you can do to decrease your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Though the term has worked its way into the mainstream as a way of describing any kind of wrist pain (typically resulting from too much time at the computer), the actual condition can very scary and quite painful. Don't take the potential lightly. Do what you can to protect yourself, especially if you have a hobby or job that requires a great deal of repetitive movement.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a way of explaining what happens when the median nerve in the wrist becomes squeezed or pinched, creating numbness and pain in the hands and forearm. Over time, a repetitive activity can lead to a thickening of the tendons surrounding the nerve.
When this happens, the nerve becomes pinched on a permanent basis and surgery may be required to fix the condition. The jury is still out as it pertains to exactly what activities are the most likely to produce the problem. Using power tools, doing repetitious work such as one might expect to do in a factory assembly line, or even using a computer can lead to issues.
Though it can be difficult to pinpoint the activities that could lead directly to carpal tunnel syndrome, there are a number of risk factors that can put you in a category that might be more prone to the condition. If you are in one of these categories, you should take reasonable precautions against developing the syndrome. If you feel pain or numbness begin to develop in your hands or wrists, see a doctor immediately and find ways in which you may be able to circumvent and prevent the worsening of the condition.
According to studies, women are much more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Some studies have put the increased risk at as much as three times higher than a man, even when performing the same duties. If you have family members with the condition, it is also far more likely that you will develop it given time and the right activities. The condition has been shown to be hereditary to some degree, as certain physical characteristics can lead to making you more susceptible to the pinching of the nerve.
Various health conditions can also lead to an increased risk factor for carpal tunnel. These include, thyroid disease, diabetes, arthritis, and obesity, among others. Women who are pregnant may also be more susceptible to the condition.
If you are in any of the above categories, talk to your doctor about the things you can do to decrease your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Though the term has worked its way into the mainstream as a way of describing any kind of wrist pain (typically resulting from too much time at the computer), the actual condition can very scary and quite painful. Don't take the potential lightly. Do what you can to protect yourself, especially if you have a hobby or job that requires a great deal of repetitive movement.
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