October 25, 2019
Translation
The carpal tunnel is a sort of bridge comprised of ligament and bone and is located at the base of the hand. The median nerve runs under the carpal tunnel and extends from the palm of the hand to the forearm. If that median nerve becomes compressed, pinched, or squeezed, there very well may be carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) present. Symptoms can include pain, weakness, burning, tingling, and/or numbness in the hand, wrist, and in some cases, up through the forearm.
Statistics vary from source to source. Rheumatology.org quotes a wide range of four to ten million cases in the United States. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) cites a range of three to six percent of adults with CTS. Hundreds of thousands of related surgeries are conducted each year, and the disorder is no doubt one of the most frequent nerve conditions and one of the most common work-related injuries in the U.S. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct ongoing research about the syndrome and its causes and treatments, but we do know the affliction is found more often in women than in men.
Triggers
Although work-related activities account for a vast number of CTS cases, other contributing factors can include:
- Non-work-related injury or trauma
- Overactive pituitary gland
- Underactive thyroid gland
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fluid retention
LegalMatch.com reports occupations with high risks of carpal tunnel from highest to lowest risk, and some of the findings may surprise you, as it isn’t all about computer-based workers:
- Cooks and other cafeteria workers
- Installers and repairers of electrical power lines
- Construction and maintenance personnel
- Painters, construction and maintenance
- Highway workers
- Metal workers, including cutters, solderers, brazers, and welders
- Diesel engine mechanics and specialists
- Housekeepers and maids
- Industrial machine mechanics
- Freight laborers and stockers
- Auto mechanics and service technicians
- Public bus drivers
- General maintenance/ repair workers
- Installers/repairers of telecommunications equipment
- Janitors
- Food prep workers
- Truck and heavy tractor-trailer drivers
- HVAC specialists
- Correctional officers
- Carpenters
Therapy
Holistic therapies such as the Gladiator Therapeutics Far Infrared Device exist. Other nonsurgical treatment options include:
- Splinting
- Avoiding repetitive hand motions
- Non-prescription drugs
- Prescription medication
- Yoga
- Chiropractic work
- Acupuncture
Surgical remedies include traditional open release surgery or endoscopic surgery. The former may involve longer recovery periods but the latter may involve a higher risk for complications. In either case, though, rarely is the hand restored to a 100% functionality.
If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and want to test our far infrared device as a potential remedy, or if you have any questions, please contact Gladiator Therapeutics today!
NOTE: Content included here is not medical advice, and only is intended as information for adults. Always consult with your health care professional before making changes to diet, exercise, medication, or before use of any product or device.