CTS: carpal tunnel syndrome

(repetitive motion injury)
~ alternate treatments ~

by Stephanie Olsen

Carpal tunnel syndrome ("CTS") is certainly not a life-threatening 
condition, but it can be life-altering and should be treated 
seriously.

Symptoms

Most people realize that something is amiss when they either wake up 
with (or are woken up by) pain and/or numbness in one or both hands. 
Take note if the "pins and needles" extend to your little finger, as 
your doctor will need that information to make a correct diagnosis.

Common tasks such as driving a car, sweeping, holding a book, sewing 
or pushing a stroller become uncomfortable or even impossible as the 
affected person is unable to grasp or to feel the object in her hands.

Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome is linked most often to obesity and to any 
repetitive motion (such as typing). Physically, it is caused when the 
wrist tunnel pinches a nerve and, left untreated, CTS can cause 
permanent damage. The condition does worsen over time and some 
activities exacerbate the condition, so if you suspect that you have 
a repetitive motion injury, don't let it go either undiagnosed or 
untreated.

Treatment

Immediate rest of the injured wrist is usually called for, keeping it 
in a neutral position (not flexed or extended) so that the carpal 
tunnel is unconstricted, giving the nerve as much room as possible. 
Moderate Vitamin B-6 therapy might be suggested, but take note that 
evidence of relief is anecdotal and that there are warnings of high 
usage linked to cancer.

Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help alleviate symptoms 
and pain, although personally I found stretching exercises and icing 
to be of more relief. There's an excellent therapy site called "Body 
Mind Resources" with easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams, 
located at: 

http://www.bodymindresources.com/carpalthoracic/carpalthoraciclab.htm

In some cases, surgery may be the only answer, but recovery is 
difficult: painful and inconvenient. A good friend of mine recalls 
having to get her bra fastened "for the longest time" by her husband -
a minor point, perhaps, but everyday tasks can become quite 
infeasible, especially if you are a parent with young children at 
home. Speak to your doctor about endoscopic instead of open carpal 
tunnel release in order to minimize trauma and speed convalescence.

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About the Author:

Stephanie Olsen, published writer, homeschooling mother of two and 
ESL teacher currently residing in Europe, is also owner of the 
expatriate site, Family Life Abroad at 
http://www.familylifeabroad.com 
where you'll find humorous and informative articles by experienced 
expatriates on all aspects of living abroad, with lots of 
links and travel tips.