DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME - An Insidious Threat to Your Health and Quality of Life

✅ Article professionally reviewed by MSc, MD, Level I Specialist Nguyen Van Hoang Tam - specialist in Orthopedic and Sports Medicine - Musculoskeletal Medicine at CarePlus International Clinics. 

 💥 Do you often feel numbness in your fingertips or weakness in your hands, especially at night? These seemingly minor symptoms could be signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)—a condition that is becoming increasingly common in occupations requiring frequent hand use. Beyond the discomfort, CTS can significantly impair quality of life and work performance, potentially leading to permanent disability if left untreated. 

 1. Key Facts About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

‼️ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome refers to the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. It is the most prevalent focal mononeuropathy, constituting 90% of all neuropathy cases. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, approximately 1–5% of adults worldwide are affected annually. 

 ⛔ Over the past decades, the prevalence of CTS has risen sharply alongside increased daily technology use. Those aged 40–60 are at higher risk, though younger individuals are also increasingly affected. 

 🔴 Women are three times more likely than men to develop CTS (according to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke), likely due to narrower carpal tunnels and hormonal changes during pregnancy that may cause swelling in the wrist. 

 🔴 Additionally, individuals who are overweight or obese face double the risk compared to those with normal weight. Increased fatty tissue can compress the median nerve, heightening the risk of inflammation and damage. 

 2. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

When the median nerve is compressed, it can result in damage, causing symptoms like numbness and pain. These symptoms often develop gradually and tend to worsen at night. 

 ✋ Numbness from CTS typically affects the fingertips, especially the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring fingers. Severe cases may also involve weakness in grip strength and muscle atrophy. 

 3. Who Is at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 

CTS often stems from repetitive hand movements, such as heavy lifting, typing, or prolonged use of a mouse. 

 📣 According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high-risk occupations include manufacturing workers, logistics personnel, and office employees. Other notable risk factors include: Female gender, Rheumatoid arthritis, Pregnancy, Diabetes,... 

4. Effective Ways to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

To prevent CTS, consider incorporating these simple yet effective practices into your routine: 

 🔷 Regular wrist relaxation: Follow the 20-2 rule—relax your hands and wrists for 2 minutes after every 20 minutes of activity. Ideally, include exercises that enhance nerve, joint, and vascular health. 

 🔷 Reduce force and relax your grip: Avoid excessive hand force. Try typing more gently and holding objects with moderate pressure rather than tightly. 

 🔷 Maintain a neutral wrist position: Keeping your wrist straight and parallel to your work surface can minimize pressure on the median nerve. 

 🔷 Keep your hands warm: A cold work environment may increase pain and stiffness. Use fingerless gloves to keep your hands and wrists warm without hindering your tasks. 

 If you notice symptoms like finger numbness, difficulty gripping objects, fastening buttons, or answering the phone, don’t hesitate to reach out to CarePlus for a professional diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. 

 👉 Contact our free hotline at 1800 6116 to book your appointment today!