Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms (CTS)
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms occur when tendons in the wrist become inflamed after being aggravated. Tendons can become aggravated when the carpals,
a tunnel of bones, and the ligaments in the wrist narrow, pinching nerves that reach the fingers and the muscle at the base of the thumb. Repetitive flexing and extension of the wrist may cause a thickening of the protective sheaths that surround each of the tendons, which narrows the tunnel. Women are three times more likely to develop CTS than men, and the risk increases with age. People between the ages of 40 and 60 are more commonly affected.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome CTS The first symptoms usually appear at night. Symptoms range from a burning, tingling numbness in
fingers,
especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers, to difficulty in gripping or making a fist. Many patients with CTS are unable to differentiate hot from cold by touch, and they experience an apparent loss of strength in their fingers. They might appear clumsy because they have trouble performing simple tasks such as tying their shoes or picking up small objects. In advanced cases, the thenar muscle at the base of the thumb atrophies, and strength is lost. When symptoms that you think might be due to carpal tunnel syndrome interfere with your normal activities, including sleep, and they persist, see your doctor. If you leave the condition untreated, nerve and muscle damage can occur.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms to C
|
