You’re working at your desk, tryingto ignore the tingling or numbness you’ve had for some time in your hand andwrist. Suddenly, a sharp, piercing pain shoots through the wrist and up yourarm. Generally, there is a tendency among people to neglect it by thinking thatit is just a passing cramp. But it could be a carpal tunnel syndrome. It is anarrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand. It containsnerve and tendons. Sometimes, swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the nerveto be compressed. Symptoms starts gradually. As they worsen, grasping objectscan get difficult. It happens due to excess pressure inyour wrist and on median nerve. Few most frequent conditions linked with carpaltunnel syndrome are: · diabetes· thyroid dysfunction · fluid retention from pregnancy or menopause· high blood pressure· fractures to the wristCarpal tunnel syndrome can be madeworse if the wrist is overextended on a regular basis. Which may be the resultof:· positioning of your wrists while using your keyboard or mouse· long exposure to vibration from using hand tools· any repeated movement that overextends your wrist like typingWomen are three times more likely tohave carpal tunnel syndrome than men. It is diagnosed between the ages of 30and 60. Lifestyle factors that may increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndromeinclude smoking, high salt intake, high BMI (body mass index).Symptoms are usually found along thenerve path. Your hand may fall asleep frequently and drop objects. Othersymptoms include:· numbness and pain in your thumb and the fist three fingers ofyour hand· pain and burning in your arms· wrist pain at night while sleeping· weakness in the hand muscleIt can be diagnosed by physical examinationand tests like nerve conduction studies. A physical examination includes adetailed evaluation of your hand, wrist, shoulder and neck. Doctors will lookat wrists for signs of tenderness, swelling, or nay other deformities. For non-surgical treatment, theoptions are:· avoiding positions that overextend your wrist· wrist splints that hold your hand in a neutral position,especially at night· mild pain medication and medications to reduce inflammation· steroid injections into your carpal tunnelSurgery will be required if there isa severe damage to your median nerve. Surgery involves cutting the band oftissues in the wrist that crosses the median nerve which will lessen thepressure on the nerve. The outcome is usually good.One can prevent carpal tunnelsyndrome by making lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of developing it bytreating diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis. Physical exercises will be helpful as well.Treating carpal tunnel syndrome earlywith physical therapy can lead to long term improvement and eliminate symptoms.Untreated carpal syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage, disability andloss of hand function.