'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome' Numbness In The Hands

     Before discussing the causes, it is important to clarify that numbness refers to a sensation of thickness, reduced feeling, or tingling, similar to pins and needles, rather than weakness. In English, this condition is referred to as numbness, whereas some individuals mistakenly associate it with a loss of strength.

Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic)
• Cervical spinal degeneration, which compresses the spinal cord or nerves
• Inflammation of the cervical nerve plexus
• Peripheral nerve inflammation, particularly at the elbow or wrist

These conditions can be differentiated through medical history assessment and physical Checkup.

The Symptoms

Hand numbness caused by wrist nerve inflammation can significantly impact daily life, leading to:

• Persistent pain and numbness, disrupting sleep and work
• Difficulty gripping small objects or writing
• Muscle weakness and atrophy in the hand

The Serious Condition of Hand Numbness

This condition is often due to repetitive wrist movements, commonly seen in professions requiring prolonged use of:

• Computers
• Smartphones
• Musical instruments
• Motorcycles and bicycles
• Heavy lifting

Another contributing factor is pressure on the nerves at the elbow, which can occur from habits such as resting the chin on the hand or sleeping on the arm.

In some cases, wrist nerve inflammation may be associated with underlying medical conditions, such as:

• Diabetes
• Pregnancy-related swelling
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Treatment For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Medication and Physical Therapy – Resting the wrist, applying warm compresses, or soaking in warm water.
• Anti-inflammatory injections – To reduce swelling in the wrist.
• Surgery – In severe cases where conservative treatments are ineffective.

Preventions of Wrist Nerve Inflammation

• Early-stage symptoms – Seeking timely treatment can often lead to full recovery.
• Avoid activities that trigger numbness, such as prolonged computer use, carrying heavy handbags, or excessive wrist strain.
• Persistent numbness – If symptoms persist, nerve conduction tests may be required to assess the severity of inflammation and determine whether surgery is necessary.
• Muscle weakness or atrophy – In such cases, medication may not be sufficient, and surgery may be required to prevent further deterioration.

 A medical consultation is strongly recommended for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The choice of treatment depends on the doctor’s evaluation and diagnosis.