What Do You Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel isn’t a feature along your local interstate. It’s a pathway inside your wrist that carries the median nerve from your arm to your hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects your hand. Test your knowledge of carpal tunnel syndrome by taking this quiz.
Gender words are used here to talk about anatomy and health risk. Please use this information in a way that works best for you and your provider as you talk about your care.
1. What is one of the main symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
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The median nerve runs from your forearm to the palm of your hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when this nerve is squeezed (compressed) as it passes through the carpal tunnel. This compression can cause numbness in your thumb and the 3 middle fingers of your hand. Sweaty palms, finger stiffness, and hand tremors are not symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
2. Which of these is another common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome?
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The syndrome makes it hard to grip an object with 1 or both hands. It also causes pain or numbness in 1 or both hands, especially at night. You may also feel burning and tingling in your thumb, index, and middle fingers. And your fingers can feel swollen or have “pins and needles.”
3. Women are more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Women are more likely than men to get carpal tunnel syndrome. Researchers think this is because the carpal tunnel is smaller in women than in men. The risk increases during pregnancy.
4. You are more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome if you work on an assembly line than in data-entry.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in assemblers than in people who work in data-entry. It is also common in people who work in the sewing, finishing, cleaning, and meat-, poultry- or fish-packing industries.
5. Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgeries done in the U.S.
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In carpal tunnel release, the surgeon cuts the band of tissue around the wrist. This makes the carpal tunnel bigger and eases pressure on the median nerve. Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if carpal tunnel surgery is the best choice for you.
6. Surgery is the only way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated in several ways other than surgery. These include hand splints and anti-inflammatory medicine. Shots (injections) near the tunnel can help some. You can also make changes to your workstation, such as changing the position of your keyboard. Vocational or occupational therapy may also be advised to help you learn new ways to do certain tasks or job skills.
7. How can you help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome while at work?
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All of these will help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. You can also use good posture when working. If you use a keyboard, make sure your wrists are in the correct position when typing.
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