What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Treatment and How Copper Compression Gloves Can Help

What is Carpal Tunnel?

Image credit: Wikimedia

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a series of symptoms generally triggered by the application of pressure on the median nerve that runs from the wrist to the forearm and controls the thumb and first three fingers. Located at the base of your hand, the carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones. At times, the irritated nerves and tendons tend to swell the lining of the tunnel and compress the median nerve resulting in weakness and numbness in the wrist and the palm and occasionally in the forearm.

What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually start with numbness and weakness gradually paving the way for:

• Occasional inflammation and itchiness in the fingers and palm
• Decreased grip strength and difficulty grasping small objects
• Severe pain and frequent numbness
• Weakness in hands and inability to perform manual tasks
• Inability to feel the difference between hot and cold

Carpal Tunnel Fact Sheet

Source:

Source: University of Maryland Medical Center

Source: Orthopedic Center of Arlington

Source: Orthopedic Center of Arlington

Source: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation

Who is More Likely to Develop Carpal Tunnel?

• Working women of age between 45 to 60 years are at an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
• People who have had a wrist fracture or previously suffered a dislocation.
• Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
• Diabetes sufferers
• People having a nerve-damaging condition
• Professionals involved in work that exerts repeated pressure on the wrist for a prolonged period. (These jobs include sewing, knitting, working on an assembly line, accounting, baking, or playing an instrument).

Effective Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel treatment should start as early as possible to avoid long-term damage to the median nerve. Any underlying causes of CTS such as arthritis or diabetes should be treated first. 

1. Anti-Inflammatory Medicines

   In special cases, over-the-counter drugs are prescribed to help ease the pain, stiffness and swelling associated with carpal tunnel. These nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications include ibuprofen, aspirin and other pain relievers that offer short-term relief. While these drugs efficiently alleviate the discomfort, they fail to address the underlying cause and hence cannot treat the condition itself.
   
   

2. Alternative Therapies

   Yoga has proven to be highly effective at reducing pain and increasing grip strength. Chiropractic care and acupuncture have also offered a considerable amount of relief to the sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the efficacy of alternative therapies remains largely unapproved.
   
   

3. Surgery 

   Carpal tunnel surgery generally involves the severing of a ligament that surrounds your wrist to reduce the pressure that is being exerted on your median nerve. This is an outpatient procedure performed under local sedation and does not require an overnight stay at the hospital. The procedure is performed to correct the carpal tunnel and can be accomplished using two methods – open release surgery and endoscopic surgery. The open release surgery is a traditional procedure that requires a 2-inch incision to enlarge the tunnel while the endoscopic surgery requires two incisions of about half an inch each in the wrist and in the palm - one to insert the camera and the other to cut the carpal ligament. The endoscopic surgery ensures faster recovery and reduced post-operative discomfort.
   
   

4. Non-Surgical Intervention 

   Non-surgical intervention starts with wearing a splint at night, followed by a few precautionary measures that need to be followed during daily activities to avoid painful symptoms. Applying cool packs and taking frequent breaks can also help. At the workplace, you can perform stretching exercises, sit in the right posture, and wear fingerless copper compression gloves to keep your hands flexible and functional without experiencing any pain or discomfort.

5. Copper Compression Gloves

   Wearing copper gloves for carpal tunnel can help relieve the worst symptoms by ensuring better blood flow and supplying adequate oxygen. Copper compression gloves can also complement your ongoing carpal tunnel treatment by improving mobility and reducing stiffness, making your daily routine activities easy and painless.

Advantages of Copper Gloves for Carpal Tunnel Sufferers

Copper infused gloves also protect you against the infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. These gloves are completely durable, made using 100% pure natural copper, anti-odour and anti-microbial. The combination of compression and copper in these compression gloves makes it perfect for carpal tunnel sufferers because:

• Copper-infused gloves can help alleviate inflammation and reduce the discomfort caused by stiff muscles and joints.
• Fingerless copper infused gloves greatly reduce the pain and stiffness in your fingers and thumbs while allowing you to feel, touch, type, and grip objects with ease.
• Copper gloves for carpal tunnel are designed to reduce joint inflammation by regulating the flow of blood and supply of oxygen.

Designed to be worn round-the-clock, these copper-infused gloves are the ultimate aid in recovery and pain relief for your hands. Don’t wait to seek relief from the symptoms of carpel tunnel any longer. Buy copper compression gloves today!