Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happens when the median nerve becomes condensed within the carpal tunnel which is located in one’s wrist/forearm area. As the limitations of the carpal tunnel are strict, as it contains merely a restricted quantity of space, anything that takes up extra space within the carpal tunnel may compress, as well as, injure the median nerve. Pure and simple; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, in all reality a space problem: there is too much substance in too little amount of space. The most frequent thing that will take up a surplus of space is the tenosynovium (tendon lining), if it swells up.
Are there Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome come from exasperation of the median nerve. Keep in mind that the median nerve actually supplies the sensation to the middle finger, index finger, thumb, as well as, half of the ring finger; it also supplies motor control to the thick muscles at the bottom of the thumb.
The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include the feeling of numbness, asleep, cold, lack of circulation or even pins and needles within the index fingers, middle finger, thumb, and occasionally the ring and small fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is typically worse at night, as one awakens in the morning; this is due to the fact that we all sleep with our wrists flexed in a downward position, which promotes further “pinching” in the median nerve. If you have ever wake up at in the middle of the night and your hand feels as if it is numb or painfully asleep, and you have to shake it out in order to get your hand relieved, you most likely have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Splint Stabilization at Night Time
This is why using a splint to stabilize the wrist at night while you are sleeping often helps with mild Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – it helps the median nerve from getting further pinched during the time you sleep. Another reason why Carpal Tunnel Syndrome seems to be worse at night is because we are more inclined to swell more at night. This inflammation takes up space, which further compresses the median nerve.
The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome become worse when gripping, as the motion of gripping increases pressure within the carpal tunnel. For those who are residing in or around the Houston area should check out the pain therapy and management facilities and what they have to offer. There is no reason to be living in discomfort if there are precautionary steps that can be taken.
