Carpal Tunnel Pain – Shooting Pain from the Wrist to the Arm

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition characterized by pressure felt in the median nerve that signals feeling and movement from the wrist to the hand. More women than men are at risk for this condition, which may stem from activities overusing the hands, wrist and lower arm.

Carpal Tunnel Pain – Causes and Symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndrome is becoming prevalent with the growing number of corporate jobs that require working on a computer for long hours. Other activities involving repetitive hand and wrist motions that can lead to carpal tunnel pain are sewing, writing, painting, driving and assembly line work. Musicians who play musical instruments and athletes involved in handball, baseball or racquetball are also at risk. Carpal tunnel pain may be experienced along with numbness or a tingly sensation in the fingers or the whole hand, or abnormalities in finger and hand coordination. People suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome may feel they are too weak to carry heavy items. In advanced stages of the illness, the muscle beneath the thumb starts to waste away.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment – Several Options

Simple remedies to relieve pain at the carpal tunnel can be applied in the workplace. Employees required sitting in front of the computer for nine hours a day may want to use cushioned mouse pads or ergonomic keyboards or mouses designed specifically to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. At home, carpal tunnel syndrome treatment may involve hot and cold compresses, or wearing splints. While sleeping, the wrists should not be tucked under the face or stuck in a position that could lead to compression. To address the pain, carpal tunnel syndrome treatment options such as ibuprofen, naproxen and injectable corticosteroids may be prescribed.

Exercises for Carpal Tunnel – Description

Nerve glide exercise is a highly recommended routine to reduce the risk of carpal tunnel pain. It starts with the fist balled, before stretching fingers as the wrist remains in a neutral position. The third position in nerve glide exercises for carpal tunnel involves extending the fingers and wrist as the thumb stays neutral. The wrist, thumb and the rest of the fingers are then extended, after which the palm is directed upward. The final position requires gently stretching the thumb away from the other fingers. Another carpal tunnel exercise routine employs the arms, extending them in midair in a hand-stand position while they wrists, hands and fingers are flexed.