Have you been experiencing burning/tingling pain in your wrist and/or hands? Is it making it difficult for you to travel and enjoy life? Well, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is an ailment caused by compression of the median nerve. The median nerve is a nerve that allows sensation and movement to certain parts of your hand. Compression of this nerve can be caused by various conditions like injuries (such as fractures, sprains or repetitive injuries), tumors or systemic diseases (like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism or pituitary gland disorders). The most common cause is related to congenital etiology – meaning that the “tunnel” the nerve passes through is too small, which relates to the fact that women are three times more likely to develop this problem.
Symptoms are usually first noticed at night during sleep, which is when your hands tend to end up in a flexed position. This adds compression to the nerve and results in worsening symptoms.
Most people complain of a tingling sensation or a deep aching pain to the wrist and palm – usually to the dominant hand – that may radiate to the forearm or as far up as the neck or chest. As time passes without treatment, pain worsens and you may start to develop problems with motor skills – like griping or writing.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. He/she will want to do a thorough check for predisposing diseases like diabetes or other health conditions that may mimic these symptoms – like heart disease or disorders of the cervical spine.
Once your doctor has determined that you have symptoms of CTS, they will refer you to a hand specialist. At this point, a nerve conduction study or EMG (electromyography) study will be ordered to determine which nerves are involved and how much damage is present.
Treatments usually start with splinting, limiting activity and trying medications called NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It can progress to physical therapy and/or local steroid injections. Surgery is reserved for severe cases or cases that have failed conservative treatments.
As you can imagine, traveling with this condition can be a little challenging (not to mention painful). To help reduce the pain and inflammation, make use of assistance with baggage at the airport by utilizing curbside check-in or getting a cart to load up your bags. Once you reach your destination, have the cab drivers/transporters and hotel staff help you with loading and unloading. When you have to handle your bags, make sure that you pack light and use luggage with wheels for easier transport.
With Carpal Tunnel, or any medical condition, it’s always a good idea to check your medication supply to ensure you won’t run out while on vacation. Make an action plan with your doctor in the event that symptoms worsen while you are away – Should I wear my splints more often? Are there stretches or exercises I can do? What if nothing helps? Should I call the office, go to an Emergency Room or medical clinic? Having a plan will reduce some of the stress associated with traveling with a medical condition, so that you can hopefully enjoy your time away!
For more information on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome check out:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - www.ninds.nih.gov
Center for Disease Control & Prevention - www.cdc.gov
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - www.aaos.org
