With today’s active person and life. We use our hands more than ever before.

2.7 to 5.8% of people in the world suffer from Carpal Tunnel. Depending on the severity of the injury

will determine how long you recover. The general recovery time from this surgery according to Johns Hopkins Medicine

can be several weeks to several months. The success rate for this surgery is approx 90% of course this has many factors in it.

How well the patient does post surgery care , diet , rest , rehab all this plays a factor in the success of this surgery.

SYMPTOMS OF CARPAL TUNNEL

credit www.healthline.com

numbness

tingling (thumb & 1st 3 fingers)

pain & burning traveling up arm

wrist pain at night

weakness in the hand.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve.

The symptoms of this condition starts gradually and progress as time goes on

becoming more painful and hard to deal with. (www.mayoclinic.org)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome if left untreated can lead to weakness and loss of coordination in the fingers.

There are 9 tendons & the Median Nerve that run through the Carpal Tunnel.

Some other causes for this condition need to be taken into consideration like.

Injury or trauma can be a result of Carpal Tunnel because of the swelling in the wrist

this will cause for squeezing on the median nerve.

Over active Pituitary Gland , rheumatoid arthritis , work stress , repeated use of vibrating hand tools ,

fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause , development of a cyst or tumor in the canal.

With all of these causes often no single cause can be determined.

Many different types of people are at risk for this condition.

Women however are 3 times more likely to develop carpal tunnel than men.

according to (https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet#3049_2) they believe this is because the carpal tunnel itself is smaller in women than in men.

People with disorders like diabetes and other metabolic disorders are at higher risk , also carpal tunnel syndrome usually always occurs in adults.

MOST COMMON PROFESSIONS WHO GET CARPAL TUNNEL

1. assembly line workers
2. seamstress or taylor
3. fishermen & packers
4. house keepers
5. butchers
6. secretary
7. mechanic
8. construction
9. military
10. home makers

with all this assembly workers are 3 times more likely to develop this condition.

WHAT RESEARCH IS BEING DONE ?

The mission of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is to seek fundamental knowledge of the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.  The NINDS is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the leading supporter of biomedical research in the world.

Scientists supported by the NINDS are studying the factors that lead to progressive nerve injury and how damage to nerves is related to symptoms of pain, numbness, and loss of function.  Researchers also are examining biomechanical stresses that contribute to the nerve injury responsible for symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in order to better understand, treat, and prevent this ailment.  By quantifying the distinct biomechanical pressures from fluid and anatomical structures, researchers are finding ways to limit or prevent CTS in the workplace and decrease other costly and disabling occupational illnesses.

Scientists funded through NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health are investigating the effects of acupuncture on pain, loss of median nerve function, and changes in the brain associated with CTS.  In addition, a randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment in conjunction with standard medical care is underway.  Evaluations of these and other therapies will help to tailor individual treatment programs.

Another NIH component, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders (NIAMS), supports research on tissue damage associated with repetitive motion disorders, including CTS.  As part of this research, scientists have developed animal models that are helping to understand and characterize connective tissue in hopes of reducing tissue buildup and identifying new treatments.

More information about carpal tunnel syndrome research supported by NINDS and other NIH Institutes and Centers can be found using NIH RePORTER (projectreporter.nih.gov), a searchable database of current and past research projects supported by NIH and other Federal agencies.  RePORTER also includes links to publications and resources from these projects.

RECOVERY FROM CARPAL TUNNEL SURGERY (credit www.webmd.com)

1. Shake It Out

   This exercise is super easy. It’s especially useful at night, when your symptoms can be worse. If you wake up with pain or numbness, just shake your hands out to get some relief.

2. Thumb Touches

   • One at a time, touch the tip of each finger to the tip of your thumb so they make an O-shape.
   • Repeat a few times.

3.

Basic Wrist Stretches

• Sit down at a table.
• Rest your elbow and arm on the table and let your wrist hang over the side, palm of your hand facing up.
• Start with your hand in a straight, neutral position.
• Bend your hand toward you so your fingers point up toward the ceiling.
• Hold for 5 seconds.
• Return to a straight, neutral position.
• Bend your hand away from you so your fingers point down toward the floor.
• Hold for 5 seconds.
• Return to a straight, neutral position.
• Repeat 10 times.
• Do this up to three times a day.

4.

Tendon Gliding

In this exercise, you’ll move your fingers and hand through a series of different positions. Take your time and move smoothly from one position to the next

HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION.

P.O. Box 5801