You only need to go through a few easy steps to confirm your suspicions about whether or not you have carpal tunnel wrist pain. The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel wrist pain are tingling and or numbness, as well as various levels of discomfort located in the hand, fingers or wrist.
The cause of carpal tunnel wrist pain is the contraction and/or swelling and inflammation of muscles around the median nerve as it moves along the wrist, which irritates it. Obesity, arthritis, pregnancy and hypothyroidism can worsen the problem.
For a Tinel Test, your doctor will apply pressure by tapping the median nerve, which is located in your wrist. If you experience heightened tingling or feel shock-like sensations, there is a good possibility that you have carpal tunnel wrist pain.
The Phalen Test is good as it can be done on yourself at home. Begin by extending your arms in front of you, at a 90 degree angle to your body. Press the backs of your hands together for one minute. As this compresses the carpal tunnel, should you be suffering from the syndrome you will most likely experience the same sensations outlined as indicators in the Tinel Test above.
To alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel wrist pain, there is a wide range of treatments that you can try out in order to start the healing process.
The most natural and effective way to rehabilitate your wrists is through strengthening exercises and rest. This can be assisted by taking time off from the activity that's causing it, getting an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, etc, or following a program designed to relieve repetitive strain injury to the wrist. Remember, it is important to stop an exercise if you are experiencing pain while performing it.
Massages are an effective way to relax as they loosen up muscles and aid blood flow. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture may also help, but it is a good idea to check with a doctor.
They can often cause several negative side effects including an upset stomach.
A wrist brace can be very effective in severe cases. But without strengthening wrist exercises and a lot of rest, a wrist brace is not a long term solution.
To minimize nerve inflammation, Cortisone injects can be used; as they are delivered directly to the source of the pain they can often mask it. This should only be used sparingly, if at all, and only work 80% of the time.
A carpal tunnel release involves reducing the tension in the fibrous sheath around the carpal tunnel by making an incision in it. This release can be made two ways. This can be done two ways. An endoscopic method involves a surgeon making a one-centimeter incision into the wrist using an endoscope with a camera attached to the surgical knife, allowing for absolute precision. Alternatively, the open release consists of the surgeon making a 4cm incision in the hand. About 1-2% of cases results in a patient continuing to suffer pain. For more information on the ways to treat carpal tunnel wrist pain click here.
Darren Cottingham is a former composer and pianist who suffered from carpal tunnel wrist pain. He cured his condition and shares this advice for other musicians in pain.
