Steemit Learning Challenge-S22W1; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome"

Hello friends, it is another great time to participate here again.

What's carpal tunnel syndrome? Write in your own words after getting knowledge from the lesson post.

The carpal tunnel is a tiny path or passage found within the wrist of every human. This nerve that runs from the forearm to the arm (that is within the wrist) may be seen compressed when it gets to the Carpal tunnel. Therefore, Carpal tunnel syndrome is simply a condition where these nerves get compressed or pinched when passing through the carpal tunnel. And this is seen to come with several symptoms.

One first symptom observed is tingling and numbness around the finger region. Pains may be scattered as well as transcend from wrist to forearm and fingers. Also, there is weakness around the arm that makes it difficult to handle, grip, or perform other chores/tasks.

Causes of Carpal tunnel syndrome

1. Repetitive use of arm:
   This is one common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome as there is a continuous use of an arm in a sequence, such as computer operations where the system mouse is held and moved in a similar position over a longer period of time.

2. Wrist Position:
   Wrong placement of the wrist in a manner that brings discomfort could also cause this symptom. We have situations when we sleep wrong and our wrists are pressed in a discomforting way; this could be a problem.

3. Underlying Medical Condition:
   There are underlying medical conditions that cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and sometimes pregnancy.

Types of Carpal tunnel syndrome

1. Acute Carpal tunnel syndrome:
   Swelling and inflammation from injury and trauma are likely causes of acute CTS. When there is pressure on the median nerve caused by this traumatic injury, we observe the CTS symptoms.

2. Chronic Carpal tunnel syndrome:
   Unlike acute, which happens instantly, chronic occurs over time and gradually from the wrong use arm. Actions from repetitive use of arm from routine tasks. Also, medical conditions can cause chronic CTS.

3. Idiopathic or Primary Carpal tunnel syndrome:
   In this case, there are no observed causes for these symptoms since there are no observed acute or chronic causes.

4. Secondary Carpal tunnel syndrome:
   These are simply symptoms that derive their symptoms from other underlying factors. We have traumatic carpal tunnel syndrome with effects from injuries, inflammatory carpal tunnel syndrome from rheumatoid arthritis, and nd endocrine carpal tunnel syndrome from diabetes and pregnancy.

How would you diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome? Any clinical investigation or assessment tests?

In diagnosis, I have always listed three ways of handling issues like this. Let's get to look at these ways;

Historical Diagnosis

In determining this parameter, we have to look out for symptoms to be certain for proper documentation. We have to check for tingling and numbness of the arm, especially on the thumb/index fingers, ring, or middle fingers. This would help bring certainty of case in place.

We also need to take note of the duration and timing of these symptoms. Knowing how long symptoms have persisted is important, as well as knowing how and when these occur. If they are more pronounced at day or night should be noted.

In this part, we also have to check if the patient has any of the supposed underlying medication conditions that predispose him or her to this condition.

Medical Testing

Medical diagnosis is another sure way of handling CTS. We have electrophysiological testing that helps check the amount of electrical current that flows through the nerves. The nerve conduction studies and electromyography are best in this case. We also have the ultrasound and MRI testing. These help to narrow down and through the nerves to help ascertain root causes.

Physical Examination & Intervention

Different physical examinations are beneficial to the proper handling of carpal tunnel syndrome. We have the arm prayer stretch, wrist rotation, median nerve guides, etc.

Try to practice at least 3 exercises that you have learned from the lesson. Share images, gifs,s or videos while practicin,,g preferably gifs or videos.

Wrist Rotation:

This is an exercise that helps improve the wrist joint when properly done. It aids a better flexibility of wrist areas and complete removal of symptoms if available. In achieving this, we should fixedly keep the shoulder and arm.