We provide this free health resource to visitors of the Community Room of SeniorSSuperStoreS in an effort to keep baby boomers, seniors and the elderly informed of matters that can affect their lifestyle.

Following is an explanation of the anatomy of the carpal tunnel and the reasons it is often implicated in hand and wrist dysfunctions in seniors and others, regardless of age.

The carpal tunnel is formed by the transverse carpal ligament and the bones that make up the wrist (the word carpal means wrist in Greek). The wrist is made up of eight small bones which are aligned in two rows of four bones each. Small ligaments criss-cross these bones to provide stability. This configuration allows for mobility in the joint and a wide variation of hand positions. To a great extent, this allows the hand to be placed in a literally limitless number of positions during functional activities.

Through this tunnel, formed by the carpal ligament and carpal bones, run the flexor tendons which pull the fingers down - such as when you make a fist. The median nerve provides innervation to the muscles of the thumb and provides sensation to the thumb, index and middle fingers and to part of the ring finger.

Any situation or condition which decreases the space within the carpal tunnel can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Conditions include fractures or dislocations of the wrist, bone changes secondary to arthritis, inflammation of the flexor tendons of the hand and a thickening of the transverse carpal ligament itself.

A narrowing of the carpal tunnel, if great enough, may cause compression of the median nerve which often leads to pain and numbness in the hand - particularly at night. Victims of carpal tunnel syndrome may also begin to notice weakness of the thumb muscles and an inability to grasp objects.

When these symptoms become severe, it is recommended that you consult your physician. If caught in its early stage, carpel tunnel syndrome can be treated with anti-inflamatory medication, rest from the repetitive activities which apply stress to the hand and wrist, and support from a splint.

For those patients with severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may be required in which the carpal ligament is divided in two in order to reverse the narrowing of the carpal tunnel. With this release of the carpal tunnel ligament, the condition should be resolved and all symptoms disappear.

Unfortunately, many patients do not realize the seriousness of their wrist pain and wait several months before seeking medical care. At this time, damage to the nerves in the area can be quite extensive and sometimes permanent.

If you have a job or hobby that requires repetitive motions of the hand or wrist, you are at a greater risk to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. If you notice any of the common symptoms associated with this serious condition (numbness, tingling or pain in the hand or wrist and/or a weakening of your grip), you should see your physician as soon as possible to evaluate and treat the condition before any permanent damage occurs.

(Courtesy of David Vaughn at Vaughn, Buchanan Shelley and Associates, Physical Therapists, in Greenville, South Carolina, phone 864-234-5842.)

(By the way, we have several products that are quite popular, and many customers say are great to help reduce the risks of carpal tunnel problems. They are the ISO Flex products, especially the Wrist Support and Exerciser, and you can find them in our HEALTH PRODUCTS department. Also, you might want to check out our wrist and arm support products in our SUPPORT PRODUCTS department.)