What’s the difference between Elton John & a computer operator, and what is it? Don’t give up! All piano players are much less likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This debilitating wrist injury can often be avoided if we price-scanned or typed the same way that piano players do. That is, with our wrists straight and our fingers level with the keyboard. Carpal tunnel: This is the passageway through your wrist. Through this tunnel of bone, ligament, nine tendons, plus the median curve that feeds motor- and sensory impulses, the thumb and index fingers, as well as half the ring finger, run. CTS can cause swelling of the tunnel tissues, which compresses the median nerve.
Because of this pressure, the median nerve cannot translate brain electrical impulses as efficiently as it should. The median nerve can be thought of as a TV or radio cable. Static is when the median nerve stops transmitting a clear signal. The compressed median nerve may send faulty signals, which can result in tingling, numbness and pain in the wrist and fingers. CTS is often viewed as an occupational danger due to too many hours at work. CTS can also be caused by constant stress on the wrist from repetitive activities like needlepoint or steady driving. But wrist-twisting alone is not the problem. CTS, also known as passive, can be caused by conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease and arthritis.
CTS can sound frightening to some. There are ways you can find some relief.
Place the ache in ice. Place the wrist on ice in a bag. Wrap it in a thin towel and rub it vigorously. Ice helps to reduce fluid retention in the ligament covering the carpal tunnel. This reduces pressure on the median nerve.
Keep your wrist in neutral. Use a wrist splint. Any drugstore will sell wrist splints. You should ensure that your wrist is straightened when you purchase a wrist splint. The splint should rest flat on your palm, so that your wrist is in line with the forearm. You can also wear the splint during sleep. CTS sufferers often flex their wrists while sleeping, which can cause irritation to the median nerves.
Use B6. Every day, 50mg of vitamin B6 should be taken. Vitamin B6 is essential for nerve function and carpal tunnel syndrome patients are at risk of being deficient. CTS patients can receive dramatic relief by taking B6. Although we don’t know why, it seems that nerves respond well to this vitamin. Before taking too much vitamin B6, consult your doctor. Vitamin B6 can lead to numbness and poor coordination when you walk.
Aspire for the skies. As often as possible, keep your hands at the top of your heart. Your median nerve pressure can rise if your hands are clogged with fluid. If you are seated on a couch, it is advisable to rest your elbows, hands, and wrists on the top of your backrest. You can also raise your hands for a short time every day to prevent tingling or numbness.