If you spend long hours typing on a keyboard, using a mouse, or performing other repetitive movements at work, you may be at risk of developing carpel syndrome, a type of repetitive strain injury. This condition affects the wrist and causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand.
Carpel syndrome is caused by inflammation and nerve compression that results from repetitive or prolonged wrist motions. When you perform repetitive movements, your wrist can become inflamed, causing the median nerve that runs through your wrist to become compressed. The pressure on the nerve causes pain, numbness, and tingling sensations.
The symptoms of carpel syndrome can start as mild discomfort and progress to intense pain that can affect your ability to perform everyday tasks. You may feel pain in your wrist that extends into your hand and fingers, and you may also experience weakness or a loss of grip strength. In advanced cases, the nerve compression may cause muscle wasting or a decrease in sensation in your fingers.
Fortunately, carpel syndrome can be treated with various therapies. Occupational therapy can help you learn ways to avoid repetitive wrist movements or identify and change movements that cause pain. Physical therapy can help you build strength and flexibility in your wrist. Rest and icing your wrist can also help alleviate symptoms, as can wearing a wrist brace or splint.
In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve nerve compression. However, in most cases, non-surgical treatment can successfully alleviate the symptoms of carpel syndrome.
In conclusion, carpel syndrome is a common condition that affects many individuals who perform repetitive tasks with their wrists. The condition can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the fingers. Recognizing the symptoms, identifying the cause, and seeking treatment early on can minimize the impact of carpel syndrome on daily life. Occupational therapy and physical therapy can be highly effective in treating this condition and preventing the need for surgery.