Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem that affects the hand and wrist. This condition, or syndrome, has become the focus of much attention in the last few years due to suggestions that it may be linked to occupations that require repetitive use of the hands, such as typing (3). In reality, there are many people who develop this condition, regardless of the type of work that they do. Denna Rosolen states "the carpal tunnel is a passageway in the wrist formed by the eight carpal (wrist) bones, which make up the floor and sides of the tunnel, and the transverse carpal ligament, a strong ligament stretching across the roof of the tunnel. Inside the carpal tunnel are nine flexor tendons, which be

In the early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome, a simple brace will sometimes decrease the symptoms, especially the numbness and pain occurring at night. These braces simply keep the wrist in a comfortable position. When the wrist is in this position, the carpal tunnel is as big as it can be so the nerve has as much room as possible (2). The brace needs to be worn at night while sleeping to prevent the numbness and pain occurring at night. If symptoms occur during the day as well, the brace may help reduce those symptoms too. Anti-inflammatory medication may also help control the swelling of the tendon and reduce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. These medications include the common over the counter medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Sometimes even Vitamin B-6 has also some efficacy in decreasing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (4). Even exercise may prevent or control the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. When dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome it is very important to keep the wrist in a very comfortable position. Workplace situations can be a contributing factor in carpal tunnel syndrome and good practice is a must for people in this type of repetitive work. If simple measures fail to control symptoms an injection of cortisone into the carpal tunnel may be used. This medication will decrease the swelling of the tendon and may give temporary relief of symptoms (1). If the shot fails to relieve the pain temporarily it may be a sign that other problems exist that are causing the carpal tunnel symptoms. There is also a newer way to get cortisone medications down into the carpal tunnel. William Atkinson states "Iontophresis is a technique where an electrical current is used to move the molecules of the medication through the skin down into the carpal tunnel. It is less painful than an injection, but is probably not as effective" (1). If all of the previous treatments fail to control the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may b

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