Neurological disease Neurological diseases and autoimmune disorders often cause the deterioration of peripheral nerves and may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Examples of some of these neurological diseases include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, spinal musculature atrophy, and Huntington’s disease. As the nerves degenerate, conductivity is either partially or completely impaired or impeded. This renders the nerve useless; the patient first witnesses the onset of muscle atrophy and then further complications of CTS. Increased fluid retention Fluid retention within the body can happen due to a variety of reasons. Chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, hormonal changes, menstrual cycles, and acute injury are all potential causes of fluid retention within the body. These factors can alter the cytokine chemicals emitted by white blood cells to regulate and facilitate healing of injured tissues. As fluid builds within a region, several things may result in the carpal tunnel region: Formation of ganglia cysts, increased edema causing Arthritis Arthritis refers to general inflammation in joint spaces. There are numerous types of arthritis, all of which ultimately weaken joint structures. As tension loads change and bones are unable to adapt adequately to new tension loads, neighboring boney structures also weaken. The top four types of arthritis linked to a considerable inflammatory response are rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and arthritis that is linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These conditions result in targeted inflammation within joint spaces. Rheumatoid Ergonomic factors Individuals who type on computers or who regularly use smartphones to complete work tasks are at higher risk for acquiring carpal tunnel syndrome. The angles and torque produced by using electronic devices is enough to shift carpal bones and place unnecessary stress on the carpal tunnel region structures. Some helpful ergonomic-friendly suggestions to offer clients include: ● Change your desktop item arrangement every week to avoid repetitive motions in the same direction with desk tasks. This includes the placement of one’s computer keyboard, monitor, desk pads, telephones, and décor. ● Obtain a standing desk set-up. Typically, the height of the keyboard is adjustable with the standing desk set- up. Further, standing or sitting on an exercise ball can encourage healthier posture. ● Obtain a computer monitor screen that decreases glare. Not only will this reduce adverse effects of the monitor’s light on the eyes, but it will also ease myofascial stress of facial muscles, which in turn leads to the softening of myofascial tension of the neck and shoulders. The aggregate effect is then experienced with freedom of myofascial tissue along the upper limbs. Research published in the online medical StatPearls journal provides useful insight into the frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome. The study, entitled “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,” was conducted by Justin Sevy, Reddog Sina, and Matthew
Healthcare Consideration: Be wary of peripheral neuropathy in a patient. Common conditions that cause this phenomenon include diabetes mellitus, cancer, kidney conditions, infectious disease, myopathic conditions, and hypothyroidism. Additionally, autoimmune diseases such as Guillain-Barre syndrome and systemic lupus may also cause nerve degeneration. Because the body’s immune system is compromised, bodywork efforts need to remain mild for the autoimmune disease patient regarding the length of session, the depth of pressure, and the intensity of tool and product application. pressure upon carpal tunnel structures, inflammatory responses, and the potential for blocked lymph nodes. Certain medications’ side effects contribute to increased fluid retention. These medications include drugs that contain estrogen, such as birth control and hormone replacement therapy; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen; and calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers used to treat hypertension, heart arrythmias, and tachycardia (Evans, 2023). arthritis and SLE are especially burdensome, as these autoimmune diseases tax the body heavily, including bone and joint tissue structures. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers, corticosteroids, and other pharmacological treatments are medications used to treat arthritis conditions and may cause significant side effects that may negatively impact bone. If the carpal bones are affected, their smaller stature makes these bones more prone to fracture. Use of tools Machinery or fine-tool use may impact the arms and carpal regions tremendously. Vibrational tools, such as a massage vibrational device, cause a consistent shock to bone and can weaken structures over prolonged periods of time. Tools that require dexterity, such as sewing needles and computer keypads, can also cause carpal bones to misalign due to repetitive stress on the joint structures. If an individual often uses these tools for their occupation, a healthy recommendation is to take breaks every 15 to 20 minutes. Tools are not limited to occupation, as some recreational sports and hobbies also include tool use. A golf club, for example, can have a similar impact on the body as a gardening tool—if it is used repetitively. The average golfer may take over 300 swings a day, which places tremendous torque factors on the wrist region. Golf gloves are designed to ease the burden; however, their impact is limited. Any golfer can eventually swing a club one too many times, causing injury—no matter how effective gloves are in easing stress.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Varacillo and was published in the October 2023 edition of the journal. This study indicated the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome ranges from 1% to 5% of the adult population, with females being three times more likely than
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