Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can cause pain and stiffness that keeps you from enjoying hobbies, makes things you once loved to do more difficult, and negatively impacts your job, as well as your overall quality of life. Unfortunately, simply living out our daily lives often requires performing repetitive tasks – the main reason for carpal tunnel problems to arise.
That’s why this condition is often seen in those working on a computer all day, work with vibrating hand tools, or on an assembly line that requires the same movements over and over again. Sewing, styling hair, instructing fitness, and yes, even performing surgery can all lead to carpal tunnel problems.
CTS occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist, not allowing enough space in the wrist to perform properly. Besides the culprits listed above, other causes include conditions like thyroid issues, an overactive pituitary gland, or arthritis. Injuries, like a fractured wrist, can also result in CTS occurring, as well as swelling and fluid retention from pregnancy or menopause, and taking different medications.
Typically, the first signs of trouble include numbness and/or pain in the fingers and wrist, and sometimes swelling as well. This makes it harder to grasp items, especially small objects. It may also reduce mobility of your hand.
Needless to say, our hope is that you don’t get to this point, but if you do, we are here for you! Whether you need occupational hand therapy, or a surgical procedure is in order, you can find the help you need right here at Muskegon Surgical Associates. We have a board-certified hand surgeon on staff who works closely with hand therapists to relieve you of your symptoms and help you get back to your daily life.
If you are experiencing pain, numbness, stiffness, and a decrease in the ability to move your hand or grasp things, call for an appointment so we can get you on the path to recovery. In the meantime, try taking breaks from repetitive activities if you can and do stretches to help keep your wrist and fingers loose. Find out more tips and information on CTS by calling the MSA Hand Center today.