Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

I assumed that something is wrong when I began to feel pain from my wrists two weeks ago. My work requires me to be in front of a computer 8 hours a day and I didn’t know that this will result to “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome”.

According to Wikipedia, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - median neuropathy at the wrist, is a medical condition in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, leading to paresthesias, numbness and muscle weakness in the hand. Night symptoms and waking at night are characteristic of established carpal tunnel syndrome.

There was pain and numbness and ache in the fingers, hand, and wrists. I also had difficulty on grasping things as it made my hand feel weak and clumsy.

CTS usually begin in the third trimester or when nearing the “big day” when women tend to retain more fluids. The symptoms usually go away after giving birth when the swelling finally drop.

Aside from taking Vitamin B Complex, my doctor advised me to limit repetitive hand movements or if my job really requires me this kind of movement, better elevate my chair so that my keyboard and monitor as lowered and my wrists are bent downward.

It also bothers me at night as the pains are more intense. I used some pillows to prop my arm and when I wake up, I tried shaking my hands until the numbness go away.

Carpal tunnel syndrome may little by little settle on its own after giving birth. But if it continues after the baby is born, it is advised to visit a healthcare or an orthopedist if necessary as a specialist might suggest splinting and taking anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.