Carpal tunnel isn’t a new, faster way to reach mainland Europe, but a passage of bones and ligaments at the base of the hand containing the median nerve and tendons. When the median nerve in the wrist is compressed either because it’s swollen, the tendons are inflamed, or both, it can lead to a painful condition called carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS) which seriously hurts.
Symptoms can include tingling, burning, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers, especially the thumb and index finger. That’s because sensations to the palm of the hand, as well as movement of the thumb and fingers (except the little finger,) are controlled by the median nerve.
CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome) is a surprisingly common condition with an estimated 5% of women and 3% of men suffering from it. “Massage can ease carpal tunnel symptoms by relaxing the muscles and tendons in the forearm, wrist and hand as well as releasing the compression on the median nerve, the main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome,” says massage therapist Dianne, “Specifically applied lymphatic massage techniques are also beneficial in draining the wrist and reducing inflammation.”
Like most conditions – prevention is better than the cure. Here are the five main triggers for CTS and how to avoid them:
1. The trigger: Diabetes
Why it happens: People with diabetes are up to 20% to suffer from CTS, even without other diabetic nerve complications. Research suggests the link could be due to excessively high sugar levels resulting in carpal tunnel tendons becoming glycosated (read: glucose attaches itself to the proteins in tendons and restricts their ability to move freely).
Avoid it: While there’s no way to reduce your risk of type 1 diabetes (caused by damage to the cells that produce insulin), your risk of type 2 diabetes can be lowered by maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercises.
2. The trigger: Underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism
Why it happens: People who suffer from hypothyroidism tend to retain fluid in connective tissues, which puts pressure on the median nerve.
Avoid it: CTS symptoms can improve when hypothyroidism is treated, so sufferers should wait a few months after treatment before considering CTS surgery. Less drastic measures, like a wrist support, and anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can do the trick while waiting for hypothyroidism to resolve.
3. The trigger: Pregnancy or the menopause
Why it happens: During the pregnancy and the menopause your body retains a lot of fluid (as if we haven’t got enough to deal with) due to hormone fluctuations. That watery excess can increase the pressure within your carpal tunnel, irritating the median nerve and resulting in wrist pain.
Avoid it: Pregnancy CTS generally disappears on its own after you’ve had the baby (along with your swollen ankles and regular sleep patterns), while menopausal CTS can be eased by massage.
4. The trigger: High blood pressure
Why it happens: High pressure in the carpal tunnel puts pressure on the median nerve and interrupts the blood flow to it. The interruption in blood flow causes nerve malfunction leading to CTS symptoms.
Avoid it: Losing weight through diet and exercise and cutting salt out of your diet are obvious choice but foods such as potassium-rich bananas can counter the effects of excess sodium and lower the pressure too.
5. The trigger: Rheumatoid arthritis
Why it happens: Rheumatoid arthritis causes swelling of the synovium, a membrane that surrounds the tendons in the carpal tunnel.
Avoid it: Massage, steroid injections and sleeping in a wrist splint can help.