Carpal Tunnel Symptoms to Watch For
One things that you will need to watch for when looking into the many different forms of carpel tunnel are those that are known as repetitive stress injuries. Those injuries are caused when a person performs the same range of motions, in the same manner many times a day.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, a repetitive stress injury or RSI, is no longer limited to someone who works at a computer all day. Any activity, such as playing sports or musical instruments, or job that requires a regular repetitive motion or action could cause an RSI. Here you will learn how to watch for symptoms associated with carpal tunnel, and how to avoid them.
The first likely symptom from this condition is a tingling sensation in the hand, described by many individuals as 'pins and needles'. Many sufferers will feel experience this in the wrist and hand area - specifically on the fingers. Some individuals also feel this sensation in the forearm. This sensation is often on the inside of the arm, on the same side of the forearm as the thumb. This condition is most likely to affect the thumb, index and middle fingers. In severe (and rare) cases, this sensation may also be felt in the palm area of the hand. The main cause of this sensation is the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, near the 'tunnel'. Compression of the nerve delays and interferes with signals traveling along the nerve, producing the 'pins and needles' sensation.
The next symptom you should be aware of is weakness in the hand and in the wrist. There are several muscles that run along the arm and in the wrists and hands that carpal tunnel can effect. If your carpal tunnel is caused by a repetitive stress injury, it is actually very possible that the inflammation from this injury will effect and even compress these muscles. This can cause the muscles to weaken. In addition, if the muscles are compressed, it is quite possible the muscle is not getting the necessary oxygen and circulation. This means you could experience numbness in the wrists and hands.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a complex ailment that may cause many symptoms. Those already referred to are some of most typical symptoms that sufferers report. In addition, there can be different symptoms, for example:
1. You may be unable to grasp items as well as you used to.
2. You might discover that you experience the sensation that your hand is falling asleep.
3. You may experience pain or soreness in the forearm between hand and elbow.
4.The fingers and the wrist may start to feel 'stiff'.
5. You may discover you are incapable of performing ordinary chores, like tying your shoelaces or unscrewing the lid of a jar.
This guide lists several symptoms of carpal tunnel to watch for. If any of these symptoms sound familiar with you, you may want to set up an appointment with your doctor. They will be able to determine if you do have carpal tunnel, and will instruct you on ways to cope.
Of course, the easiest way to avoid most forms of carpal tunnel syndrome is often to simply upgrade your workstation. If you're tired of the one-size-fits-all equipment that came with your computer, visit Ergonomic Resources today!
Published December 8th, 2008