MARCH 9, 2010

Numbness in your fingers? It could be carpal tunnel syndrome.

Posted by Dorothy under Wellnessno responses

Do you experience : – numbness in your fingers, especially thumb, index and middle?

- pain in the wrist especially when you are driving?

- numbness especially at night?

If you have a Yes for one of the three symptoms, you may be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ( CTS )?

CTS is a pain or irritation which is felt in the wrist and hand. It occurs when the ligaments and tendons get swollen or inflamed., resulting in pressure on the median nerve. It’s most common in people whose jobs require pinching or gripping with the wrist held bent. People at risk include people who use computers, carpenters, grocery checkers, assembly-line workers, meat packers, musicians and mechanics. This condition is caused by the constant repetition of particular movements, referred to as repetitive strain injury.

3D Video On What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

How Is It Treated?

Normally a minor operation to cut the ligament which is compressing the median nerve will solve the problem, but before that, one should try some yoga stretches to relieve the stress in the wrist. Please watch the attached videos.

Wrist Stretch

Shoulder Stretch

Downward Dog ( Adho Mukha Svanasana )

Is Prevention Possible?

Yes.

- take regular breaks from repeated hand movements

- If you use a keyboard a lot, adjust the height of your chair so that your forearms are  level with your keyboard and    you don’t have to flex your wrists to type.

- switch hands during work tasks.

-refer to the yoga stretch videos above for some wrist exercises

PLEASE NOTE

- CTS may also be a hereditary problem.

To all those who have their fingers stucked at the keyboard most of the day, please  practice some preventative methods.

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