Doctors have written about carpal tunnel
syndrome (CTS) for more than 100 years, but it took the emergence
of computer keyboards for the condition to achieve national prominence.
In fact, any activity that constantly strains the wrist, from guitar
playing to rowing, from assembly line work to knitting, can bring
it on. Sometimes, however, carpal tunnel syndrome can begin without
any apparent cause at all. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually starts
as repeated local irritations swell the tendons and ligaments in
the wrist. This then compresses the median nerve, which passes through
a "tunnel" from the forearm to the hand. The combination
of the inflamed tendons and the squeezed median nerve are responsible
for the pain, tingling, numbness and weakness of the thumb and index
and middle fingers characteristic of CTS. In addition, any of the
following have been associated with this painful condition: an underactive
thyroid, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, pregnancy, premenstrual
syndrome (PMS), birth control pills, and menopause.
Although conventional medicine can be very helpful, I believe one
of its options, namely surgery, should be the last resort. As many
physicians are unaware of alternative therapies, let's see if our
WholeHealth Chicago suggestions can help keep you out of the operating
room. No guarantees, of course, but nothing ventured . . .
Learn About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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