Carpal Tunnel Syndrome CTS Median Nerve Compression Wrist Pain Homeopathic Treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. Contributing factors include trauma or injury to the wrist that cause swelling, such as sprain or fracture; an overactive pituitary gland; an underactive thyroid gland; and rheumatoid arthritis. Other factors that may contribute to the compression include mechanical problems in the wrist joint, repeated use of vibrating hand tools, fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause, or the development of a cyst or tumor in the canal. Often, no single cause can be identified.

The carpal tunnel is formed by the small wrist bones on the bottom and a tight ligament on top.

Women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. People with diabetes or other metabolic disorders that directly affect the body’s nerves and make them more susceptible to compression are also at high risk. CTS usually occurs only in adults.

Workplace factors may contribute to existing pressure on or damage to the median nerve. The risk of developing CTS is not confined to people in a single industry or job, but may be more reported in those performing assembly line work—such as manufacturing, sewing, finishing, cleaning, and meatpacking—than it is among data-entry personnel.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually start gradually and include:

Tingling or numbness. You may notice tingling and numbness in your fingers or hand. Usually the thumb and index, middle or ring fingers are affected, but not your little finger. You might feel a sensation like an electric shock in these fingers.

The sensation may travel from your wrist up your arm. These symptoms often occur while holding a steering wheel, phone or newspaper, or may wake you from sleep.

Many people "shake out" their hands to try to relieve their symptoms. The numb feeling may become constant over time.

Weakness. You may experience weakness in your hand and drop objects. This may be due to the numbness in your hand or weakness of the thumb's pinching muscles, which are also controlled by the median nerve.

Diagnosis of writer's cramp is based on information from the individual and the physical and neurological examination. At this time, there is no test to confirm diagnosis of writer's cramp, and in most cases, laboratory tests are normal

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid permanent damage to the median nerve.

A physical examination of the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck can help determine if the person’s complaints are related to daily activities or to an underlying disorder. A physician can rule out other conditions that mimic carpal tunnel syndrome. The wrist is examined for tenderness, swelling, warmth, and discoloration. Each finger should be tested for sensation and the muscles at the base of the hand should be examined for strength and signs of atrophy.

Routine laboratory tests and X-rays can reveal fractures, arthritis, and nerve-damaging diseases such as diabetes.

Specific tests may produce the symptoms of CTS. In the Tinel test, the doctor taps on or presses on the median nerve in the person’s wrist. The test is positive when tingling in the fingers or a resultant shock-like sensation occurs. The Phalen, or wrist-flexion, test involves having the person hold his or her forearms upright by pointing the fingers down and pressing the backs of the hands together. Carpal tunnel syndrome is suggested if one or more symptoms, such as tingling or increasing numbness, is felt in the fingers within 1 minute. Doctors may also ask individuals to try to make a movement that brings on symptoms.

Electrodiagnostic tests may help confirm the diagnosis of CTSs. In a nerve conduction study, electrodes are placed on the hand and wrist. Small electric shocks are applied and the speed with which nerves transmit impulses is measured. In electromyography, a fine needle is inserted into a muscle; electrical activity viewed on a screen can determine the severity of damage to the median nerve.

Ultrasound imaging can show abnormal size of the median nerve. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show the anatomy of the wrist but to date has not been especially useful in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Tinel's sign: The sign that a nerve is irritated. Tinel's sign is positive when lightly banging (percussing) over the nerve elicits a sensation of tingling, or 'pins and needles,' in the distribution of the nerve.

Phalen test is performed by asking the patient to place both elbows on a table while keeping both forearms vertical and flexing both wrists at 90 degrees for 60 seconds. A positive test is defined as the occurrence of pain or paresthesias in at least one finger innervated by the median nerve.

Homeopathic approach is different from conventional mode of treatment. Here the totality of the symptoms is considered and some peculiar, strange, rare symptoms which are present only in that individual are given importance.

After administering homeopathic medicines gradually the pain will reduce considerably. The person will feel comfortable in writing, tremors will be less. As homeopathic medicines act on the mental level the patient will start feeling fresh. His anxiety, stress will reduce and the patient will over all feel better.

There are many homeopathic remedies which are very effective in relieving the spasms, pain and cramps occurring in patients suffering from Writer's cramp. Homeopathic approach is different from conventional mode of treatment. Here the totality of the symptoms is considered and some peculiar, strange, rare symptoms which are present only in that individual are given importance.

After administering homeopathic medicines gradually the pain will reduce considerably. The person will feel comfortable in writing, tremors will be less. As homeopathic medicines act on the mental level the patient will start feeling fresh. His anxiety, stress will reduce and he will be better