There are many different professions and hobbies which cause people to have problems with carpal tunnel syndrome. These include factory workers, court reporters, tennis players and anyone doing a lot of data entry. When left untreated or when symptoms continue to worsen, carpal tunnel surgery is an option. It is typically done on one wrist at a time. It may not be necessary to do both.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by repetition of the muscles in the wrist and forearm. The carpal tunnel is the name of the structure in the wrist made up of eight bones across the bottom and a roof shape made by a ligament running overtop. The median nerve and the tendons that control finger and thumb movement pass through this tunnel. When the tendons and nerve become swollen due to repeated movements, they irritate each other further. This causes additional pressure and swelling inside the tunnel, with tingling in the fingers and hand, as well as pain and difficulty in movement of the wrist and forearm. In some cases, the best remedy for long-term sufferers is surgery. This involves an incision across the wrist and palm. This basically cuts the carpal tunnel into two sections, relieving both pain and pressure.
Shortly after surgery, the doctor may require the patient to do exercises making a fist and stretching the hand several times per hour to prevent stiffness and additional swelling in the hands and fingers. About two weeks after surgery, the doctor will remove the stitches and recommend a scar therapy and massage program. Because the hands are so critical to many professions and are needed to perform so many everyday tasks, it is important for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations.
Preventing thick scar tissue from forming in the wrists and hands is essential to having a good range of motion. Scar tissue can be restrictive and limit movements. Massaging Scarfade into the scarred areas of the wrist and hand can be instrumental in minimizing the thickness and discomfort associated with scars, not to mention the brightness and visibility. Scarfade C scar treatment cream is especially effective in promoting the synthesis of collagen and elastin. This, in turn, helps the skin to heal more quickly. While some people may prefer to use the silicone strips, others find it hard to keep the sheets on the inside of the hands during flexion and extension movement of the fingers and wrists.