Basic Strategies in Stress Management - Prompt Action at The Onset of CTS

CTS symptoms include numbness, tingling or weakenss in the hand. It usually involves the first three fingers of the hand.  Some patients also feel the pain on the fourth finger. It leads to the weakness and the pain of the hand.  In more severe situation, there may be severe sensory loss and loss of muscle bulk.

Dr. Nathon Rubin advised that patients with CTS are recommended to be treated non-operatively first. Limit activities that will worsen the symptoms. CTS is actually the leading problem from RSI in America. Some resting splints are prescribed by doctors to decrease pressure on the carpal tunnel.

Occupational therapy is important and the patient needs to learn to modify habits which might worsen his or her condition. According to safety concern for computer ergonomics, workplace ergonomic rules are to applied for patients at work.  Some of the corporate wellness program offered by the companies train their employees about ergonomics health safety that is beneficial for CTS patients.

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are the tests to determine the condition of your CTS when it does not respond to conservative treatment. Some doctors will prescribe a steroid injection into the carpal tunnel to reduce inflammation and swelling. Surgery can be an option. Basically, the goal for a carpal tunnel surgery is to allow more room for the structures inside and relieve the pain.  The surgery split open the ligament across the tunnel.

Many doctors now use an arthroscope. Arthroscope allows a much smaller incision, but may not always be as effective where as the original surgeries were done using an incision through the wrist and palm.

Currently, there is the latest variation on the surgical treatment that is called laser surgery.  Laser Surgery uses a small incision.

CTS surgery is helpful in a lot of cases. However, if CTS has been present for too long and permanent nerve injury has occurred, surgery may only prevent further damage.  Therefore, it is more important to encourage your office exercis ergonomics.  Use ergonomic mouse and keyboards, and invest some ergonomic chairs and office equipment.  Taking small breaks to stretch your fingers, palms, hands, wrist, arms and shoulders.  Do not over use them or stretch them in extreme angles.