Carpal tunnel is condition that arises when a section of the human hand referred to as median nerve is squeezed or pressed near the wrist. The median nerve is a sensitive and important nerve that occurs between the forearm and the hand and serves an important function between the two parts of the body. The pressing or squeezing of the median nerve may be caused by thickening due to the presence of irritated tendons. In addition, any form of swelling around the median nerve causes narrowing of the region known as the “tunnel” and therefore results in its compression. The results of such a condition include pain in the hand, weakness and numbness among other conditions. Although there may be many causes of compression of the median nerve, Carpal tunnel is a major cause of the condition.
Factors that Lead to Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel occurs because of a wide array of factors, which combine to pile pressure near the median nerve or on the nerve itself and the surrounding tendons of the carpal tunnel. Such a situation arises due to a problem in the tendons rather than in the median nerve itself. The condition may also occur because of congenital predisposition in which the carpal tunnel may generally be narrower in some individuals.
Other Conditions Associated with Carpal Tunnel
Swelling of the wrist, which causes carpal tunnel, may result from sprains or fractures in the hand, occurrence of over acidity in the pituitary and mechanical problems in movement of the wrist joint, which mostly result from work stress. Moreover, carpal tunnel is associated with complicated conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, retention of fluids in women during menopause or pregnancy (the condition is more common among obese and overweight women), development of cysts within the media nerve, or frequent use of mechanical tools.
In relation to continued use of hands, it is worth noting that the tendons that pass within the median nerve and the carpal tunnel may swell due to frequent movements such as continued typing or playing of video games, striking musical instruments over considerably long periods of time, and so forth. Thus, it is important to note that Carpal tunnel is common among people who engage in involving games such as tennis. Any slight joint dislocations cause and may worsen the condition. It is important to note however that while any of the above factors may be linked directly or indirectly to Carpal tunnel, some causes of the condition are still unknown.