Causes Of Carpal Tunnel

The Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome





By Anne Ahira

The causes of carpal tunnel syndrome have been under evaluation by medical professionals for quite some time. It has been established that the ultimate cause of this particular medical condition is pressure that is placed on the median nerve. This particular nerve actually runs through the carpal tunnel region of the wrist.

There are many unique characteristics about this particular nerve, but the most unique one is that it is considered to be a "mixed nerve". This basically means that it has a sensory based function and it has the capability of sending signals to the muscles so that they move. This is identified as a "Motor Function". This means that the thumb, as well as the index and middle fingers, as well as half of the ring finger are controlled by the median nerve.

Compression

The condition of carpal tunnel syndrome is identified as a neurological based disorder. This is due to the fact that it results from the actual compression of the nerve that is identified as the "Median". The carpal tunnel area of the wrist is a section that consists of many different bones and several ligaments.

The median nerve actually runs through this region. When the nerve becomes compressed, it results in many uncomfortable sensations and symptoms. Individuals that experience this compression often discover that they are unable to perform tasks with their hands that they were once able to. In many instances, the individual is still able to use their hand, but the things that they can do is often limited.

Health Conditions

There are many health conditions that may actually lead to the compression that is experienced when an individual suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome. In individuals that become pregnant or those that experience health problems like diabetes and those that are similar in nature, carpal tunnel syndrome may be experienced when the body retains fluid.

This type of fluid retention is common in conditions that involve the hormones, such as thyroid issues and even situations such as menopause. In some individuals, a protein that is considered to be relatively abnormal called "Amyloid" may be deposited in the wrist and create issues. This substance is typically created in the cells that are part of the bone marrow.

Repetition

Repetition is another complication that may result in carpal tunnel syndrome. There are many that perform the same tasks over and over again. If these tasks involve a high amount of flexing the wrist, or if they involve the same movements of the hand over and over again, an individual may easily develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

This is due to the fact that when the repetitive movements are engaged in, there is a massive amount of pressure that is placed on the carpal tunnel region of the wrist. It has been established that there is no concrete based evidence that proves that the same motions performed over and over again will lead to the development of this condition, but many cases of the condition have been proven to be related to this type of injury.

If you feel you have carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor will be able to inform you of the other causes that could lead to this issue.


 

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