Are you spending long hours on smartphone/laptops? Then you may suffer from “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome”
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In this modern age, use of laptops and smartphones has increased tremendously. But excessive use of these gadgets has also given rise to a new physical condition called ‘carpal tunnel syndrome’ (Carpal tunnel syndrome term given by Dr. Richard Westreich, a New York based surgeon).
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Our wrist (also called carpus) consists of eight small bones, called carpals, joined to one another by ligaments. These wrist bones along with ligaments surround a narrow passageway on the palm side of the hand called carpal tunnel, through which median nerve travels.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs due to increased carpal tunnel pressure which compresses the median nerve. It is the most commonly reported nerve entrapment neuropathy, accounting for ninety-percent(90%) of all neuropathies.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
Pain,
Numbness, and
Burning or prickling sensation
These symptoms typically felt, in the thumb, index finger & middle finger. Pain also can travel up the affected arm. With progression it can lead to hand weakness, clumsiness, decreased fine motor coordination, and thenar atrophy as well (wasting of thenar muscles located on the palm and at the base of thumb).
At early stage of this disease, symptoms surface at night when lying down and are relieved during the day. However, with further progression, symptoms also show up during the day, especially when engaged in certain repetitive activities, such as drawing, typing, or playing video games. At advanced stage, symptoms can be constant.
Which types of occupation can cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
Typical occupations of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Those who use computers/ laptops for extended periods of time
- Construction workers, who often use equipment that has vibration, and
- Any other occupation requiring frequent, repetitive movement.
What are the most common causes of Carpal tunnel syndrome?
The most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Occupation which includes repetitive wrist movements, for example, typing or machine work
- Obesity
- Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Pregnancy
- Lifestyle related causes such as long hours spent on laptop/ smartphone, bad sitting posture while working on laptops, lack of physical activity, poor exposure to sunlight, & bad food habits.
What is the incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in USA?
In US, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects 1 to 3 persons per 1000 per year with a prevalence of 50 per 1000 and most developed countries show similar incidence and prevalence.
Which race is most affected by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Whites are most affected. Whites are 2 to 3 times more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome as compared to blacks.
Individuals of which age group are most affected by carpal tunnel syndrome?
The peak age of carpal tunnel syndrome occurrence is 40-60 years.
Is CTS more common in females?
Yes, CTS is 10 times more common in females as compared to males.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome cause Mortality?
CTS does not cause mortality, but can cause irreversible median nerve damage, severely affecting hand function, if untreated.
What a patient suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome should do?
- Patients should avoid repetitive hand motions and should also avoid using vibrating tools.
- If patient smokes, then he should quit.
- Patient should lose weight if overweight.
- Patient should reduce caffeine intake.
- Patient can wear wrist brace to keep the wrist in a resting position. Wrist brace can be helpful for relieving the symptoms such as numbness and pain.
- Patient can consult with a physical therapist. Therapist can advice regarding healthy body alignment, helpful exercises and can guide patient on how to prevent future problems.