Myths and Truths About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Vacaville

Carpal tunnel syndrome in Vacaville is a common condition wherein it causes hand pain, numbness, and tingling. However, some people were misinformed by this condition particularly on the similarities of its symptoms.

Common Carpal Tunnel Myths in Vacaville

Myth 1: Any hand pain or tingling is a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if you are using a computer all day.

When there is pain, numbness, or tingling in the hand or wrist, people would quickly assume that it's carpal tunnel syndrome. However, using repetitive motion for long periods of time, especially when typing on a keyboard, can cause aches and stiffness in the hands or wrists. But this doesn't necessarily mean that you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome has certain symptoms that would set it apart from other conditions that also cause pain and numbness in the hand. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome would cause numbness and tingle in the index, thumb, and middle fingers except in the pinky or ring fingers. The other thing to note about carpal tunnel syndrome is that it worsens at night.

Myth 2: Only individuals working in factories or typing all day can get carpal tunnel syndrome.

There are work-related conditions that involve prolonged work with a flexed or extended wrist, high levels of hand-arm vibrations or hand force, or high repetitiveness that have been linked to a higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

However, more evidence is needed to prove that work-related conditions can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Experts believe that work-related stress may be the major cause for individuals who have other non-behavioral factors like, advanced age, female sex, or a history of diabetes.

Myth 3: Surgery is the only way of relieving carpal tunnel syndrome.

Once a person has been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery is the only option for relieving the pain. There are several nonsurgical treatment options that provide relief for individuals who don't want to undergo surgery:

• Using ice therapy
• Wearing a wrist brace
• Giving the wrists a break
• Taking NSAIDs or diuretics
• Receiving steroid injections
• Taking an oral corticosteroid like prednisone

But if the case of carpal tunnel syndrome is too severe especially if it involves muscle wasting or potential permanent damage to the median nerve, then surgery may be needed right away.

Myth 4: Having carpal tunnel syndrome means you'll miss work for a long time.

Many people are hesitant to consider carpal tunnel release because they're scared of losing the use of their hands for weeks or even months, or they don't feel they can take enough time off work. However, the recovery period for carpal tunnel syndrome can be relatively quick especially when you can resume doing light non-repetitive motions for the hands after about a week when the bandage is removed.

In fact, people whose jobs require minimal movement of the affected hand can resume working in a week or two. This can be true for those who underwent the endoscopic approach. A splint may also be occasionally used to support the wrist, especially at night.

Patients who underwent the procedure on their dominant hand may need 6 to 8 weeks before they can resume working. After 2 to 3 months, most patients will have their normal grip or pinch back and can go back to heavy labor using their hands.