There is a lot of information regarding carpal tunnel syndrome but unfortunately there is just as much false information. You need to know what it is, how it is treated and why it occurs. Learning preventative techniques can go a long way to saving you pain later down the road. This article can help you understand what this affliction is and how you can manage your life with it and even steps you can take to avoid it.
What is the difference between carpal tunnel syndrome and a pinched nerve?
In actuality carpal tunnel syndrome is a pinched nerve. Most people will complain of a pinched nerve in their back which causes pain. The same thing can happen in your arm. It happens quite frequently to people who use their hands and arms a lot. That is why protecting that tunnel and the nerve inside it is so important.
How do I know if I have carpal tunnel syndrome?
Usually the first sign of carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness. It may happen when you are resting your arm in a certain angle. In the beginning you can stretch your arm out, rest, and the numbness will fade. But as the condition progresses and the tunnel’s ligaments become more inflamed you are likely to experience lasting numbness in areas of your finger and palm. This could lead to pain and even the inability to move certain fingers and your thumb. You may notice this happening at night more so than during the day. The reason for this is because many people often sleep with their wrists flexed. As time goes on you may find that you are unable to form a fist or even grasp small objects.
What kinds of tests are run to determine if carpal tunnel syndrome is present?
Your doctor can run a series of tests to determine if you do, in fact have carpal tunnel syndrome. The first tests a doctor will usually run involve x-rays of your forearm and wrists. This is to rule out arthritis or other conditions that often mimic carpal tunnel syndrome. From there he or she can then uses specific tests to look at the symptoms. One test is the Tinel test. Your doctor will press on your median nerve in your wrist. If you feel tingling or a shock-like feeling then you may have the condition. Another test often performed in the doctor’s office is the Phalen test. It involves testing the flexibility of your wrist. In the test you will be asked to hold your forearms in an upright position with the fingers pointing down while you press the backs of your hands together. If you begin to feel tingling or numbness within a minute it is usually a good indication that you do have some damage to the tunnel and the median nerve. If those tests are inconclusive or your doctor wants to know definitively then they may run a series of electrodiagnostic tests. Basically the doctors will look at nerve conductivity and put a series of small electric shocks to the nerve and then measure how fast your nerves process the impulses.