Carpel Tunnel / Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpel Tunnel is more commonly spelt as Carpal Tunnel. But I'm sure you are searching for the same thing. :)

What is the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Image via Carpal Tunnel webmd.com

The compression of the median nerve in the wrist when there is swelling and irritation in surrounding tissue. This nerve runs from the brain and spinal cord into the forearm, through the carpel tunnel in the wrist, and to the palm and fingers of the hand. They provide the sensation felt in the major section of your fingers and the palm.

What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel?

1. Pain in the wrist when it is bent sharply i.e. your median nerve is being pinched

2. Swelling of the wrist

3. Weakness in the hands

4. Numbness and loss of sensation in the fingers and palms

5. Tingling sensations in the fingers

What are the causes of swelling and irritation of the tissue in the Carpal Tunnel?

1. Vertical bending of the wrist for extended periods of time - pronation / wrist extension / flexion

2. Horizontal bending of the wrist for extended periods of time - ulnar / radial deviation

3. Forceful typing (see also typing ergonomics).

4. Rapid finger movements

5. Forceful writing and intense gripping of a pen.

How to Prevent Carpal Tunnel?

1. Stretch and warm up your hands, wrists and arms before typing for extended periods of time

2. Keep the wrist straight relative to the forearm while typing on the keyboard, especially for extended periods of time

* A wrist brace or wrist rest helps to keep the wrist straight.

* Ergonomic keyboards help prevent the wrists from being bent awkwardly (i.e pronation, ulnar deviation)

3. Take frequent breaks

4. Avoid typing fast and forcefully

5. The use of an ergonomic pen and good writing habits.

Here are some useful Carpal Tunnel Exercises.

Do You Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

If you want to know whether you have the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or not, chiropractic-help.com offers a free Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionaire.

Click here to go to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionaire. (Scroll about midway).

Go back to Musculoskeletal Disorders.

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