When most people think about carpal tunnel syndrome in New Orleans, they link it to years of heavy typing, computer use, and other office related tasks. But the truth is that it can affect any person who performs recurring movements with their hands.
There isn’t currently a proven way to prevent CTS, but there are some things you can do to alleviate the amount of pressure you put on your wrists and hands. Here is some information to help you understand it and what you can do to decrease your chances of getting it.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in New Orleans?
Your carpal tunnel is on the palm side of your wrist and it’s comprised of bones, ligaments, and tendons. CTS occurs when the median nerve that runs through your carpal tunnel is put under pressure or squeezed by swollen tendons in your wrist.
Arthritis and years of repetitive hand movements can cause the tendons to swell. When this happens, you start to feel symptoms of CTS.
What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in New Orleans?
The most common symptoms of CTS include:
• Tingling or numbness in the hand;
• An electric shock-like feeling mostly in the thumb, index, and long fingers;
• Unusual sensations and pain that travels up the arm toward the shoulder.
It’s common for symptoms to appear slowly and randomly. Many people report they feel it most on the thumb side of their hand. When symptoms are recognized and treated early, it can be corrected without surgery.
How to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In New Orleans
Here are some things you can try to prevent CTS from developing.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Don’t smoke; it interferes with blood flow and makes CTS worse.
• Keep your weight down.
• Avoid sleeping in positions that cause your wrists to bend or curl.
• Keep your hands warm to prevent stiffness.
• Loosen your grip and force when you’re working with your hands.
• Take frequent, quick breaks from repetitive activities to rest your hands or change their position.
• Stretch your hands, fingers, and wrists often, rotating them in circles and flexing and extending your palms and fingers.
• Improve your posture and body mechanics at your work station.
What To Do If You’re Already Experiencing Symptoms
If you’re already having some problems with CTS, there are things you can do to help it and reduce pain or discomfort:
• Apply cold packs to your wrists to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen (Aleve).
• Wear a wrist splint at night. You can find them at most drugstores, and you don’t need a prescription.
If you try these options, or any others, and find they’re not working for you, don’t physical therapy, occupational therapy, or cortisone injections may be an option.
The decision to have surgery is based on the severity of your symptoms. Many people who undergo surgery have an improvement in their symptoms, but recovery can be a slow process.
If you feel that you may be experiencing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in New Orleans, call our office today to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your options for treatment.