Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition that afflicts numerous residents in Singapore, especially those who have occupations that entail repeated hand actions. CTS arises when the median nerve is squeezed through the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Knowing the initial symptoms and learning how to manage carpal tunnel syndrome can greatly help in avoiding long-term nerve injury or persistent pain.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the median nerve, which travels from the forearm to the palm. This compression may occur due to wrist swelling or due to repetitive wrist movement over time. It usually occurs in jobs or activities involving continuous use of the hands, like typing, playing an instrument, or using tools.
In Singapore, where a high population works in office settings, CTS has become a frequent occurrence. Identifying the condition at an early stage and how to treat carpal tunnel syndrome effectively will prevent people from going in for more extreme measures in the future.
Identifying the Symptoms of CTS
The symptoms of CTS develop slowly and initially might be confused with overall fatigue or strain. The most frequent of the early warning signs is tingling or numbness in the fingers, particularly the thumb, index, and middle fingers. The symptoms are usually experienced at night or early morning and will awaken an individual from sleep.
Symptoms of CTS worsen over time. You might feel burning or aching pain in the wrist, extending up the arm or down to the hand. You might see weakness in the hand and experience dropping things as well. Don’t ignore these symptoms because repeated compression of the median nerve can result in permanent injury.
Risk Factors and Common Triggers
There are a number of risk factors that predispose one to develop CTS. Some of these conditions include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders. Pregnancy also brings with it temporary CTS due to changes in hormone levels.
From a lifestyle point of view, spending long hours in front of a computer with insufficient ergonomics will exacerbate the condition. Repetitive strain caused by manual labour, such as food preparation or cleaning, is another frequent activator among Singaporean employees. An awareness of daily habits and slight modifications can work wonders in warding off or reducing the symptoms of CTS.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you suspect that you are having early symptoms of CTS, you should visit a healthcare provider. The physical examination usually involves determining the presence of numbness in your fingers and testing hand strength. In some cases, nerve conduction studies may be necessary to determine the function of the median nerve.
Learning how to manage carpal tunnel syndrome at an early stage can prevent the condition from becoming debilitating. Based on the severity of the symptoms, your physician may prescribe a blend of lifestyle modifications, wrist splints, physiotherapy, or medication. In serious cases, a surgical operation could be the only option to reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Home Management and Prevention Tips
There are measures you can take at home to prevent and treat CTS. One key step is to modify your workspace to have correct wrist alignment. Stretch hands and wrists by taking frequent breaks if you type or perform repetitive activities at a desk.
Wearing a night brace on the wrist can also take some pressure off the nerve. Staying away from activities that strain the wrist and doing exercises for the hand to build up grip strength can also help. These steps will not necessarily heal CTS, but they can minimise CTS symptoms and increase comfort during the day.
Long-Term Treatment Approaches
For the remaining individuals with ongoing symptoms, longer-term treatments might be needed. Examples include corticosteroid injections to cut back on swelling around the nerve or having minor outpatient surgery to decrease pressure.
Being aware of how to treat carpal tunnel syndrome properly is what prevents further, more serious health problems from arising. Avoidance of delayed treatment is a must since early treatment tends to be more effective and less painful. A lot of Singaporeans find that regular physiotherapy and follow-up treatments help them recover completely and resume normal use.
Conclusion
CTS is an easy condition to manage, especially when diagnosed in the early stages. Being aware of the symptoms of CTS and acting quickly can contribute to good hand and wrist health. As an office worker, student, or someone engaged in manual labour, vigilance regarding the symptoms can greatly impact your overall health and well-being.
If you are worried about your wrist health or would like to know more about managing CTS, contact True Chiropractic today for an appropriate evaluation and guidance.