Carpal tunnel syndrome may sometimes cause discomfort and mild pain for people who have it. The condition is caused by unnecessary pressure on the median nerve, which may also cause weakness, tingling and numbness in your hand, wrist and forearm. Studies have shown that people with diabetes are fifteen percent more likely to develop this condition than people who are not diabetic.
Why is this true? If you are diabetic and feel that you are developing carpal tunnel syndrome, you have reached the article that can help you! This blog post will share some vital information about carpal tunnel syndrome and why people who have diabetes are seemingly more prone to develop it.
The Connection Between Diabetes and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In the past, medical experts believed that carpal tunnel syndrome was caused by the wrong positioning of the wrists when activities like typing were performed. However, new information has come to light that suggests that medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, hyperthyroidism and diabetes may cause this condition.
How does carpal tunnel develop?
Recent research has led experts to discover that high blood glucose levels are a major cause of carpal tunnel. As the blood sugar rises, the glucose attaches to the proteins to the tendons located in the carpal tunnel. This will, in turn, cause the tendons to become inflamed, making it difficult for the tendons to slide and move about as they normally would.
Keeping track of your blood sugar levels is crucial in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome from occurring. There are blood sugar stips available to help you maintain and ensure that you do not exceed normal blood sugar levels.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel?
People who have experienced carpal tunnel syndrome in the past describe the feeling to be similar to pins and needles pricking your skin. Others also report a loss of sensation in their hands and wrists or a burning feeling.
These symptoms are all indicative of nerve damage. Your grip may also weaken because of the pressure that is put on the median nerve. A physician will be able to run tests to see if you indeed have carpal tunnel.
However, if you have already been previously diagnosed with diabetes, it may be a little trickier to tell if you have carpal tunnel or if the sensations you are feeling on your hands and wrists are just complications of your condition. Your doctor may recommend a nerve study to be conducted to ascertain if you have carpal tunnel or not.
What should you do?
If you are diabetic and have begun to feel any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is best to see a doctor as soon as you can to get a proper diagnosis. Keep in mind that the sooner you are able to seek diagnosis and treatment, the sooner you will be able to find relief from the pain and discomfort you may feel because of this condition.
Conclusion
Seeking treatment for your carpal tunnel syndrome will prevent neuropathy and continued inflammation. If prompt treatment is administered to manage the effects of both diabetes and carpal tunnel, it will still be possible for the patient to live a comfortable and relatively normal life.
If you suspect that you have carpal tunnel, come to North Florida Hand and Wrist. We have expertly-trained hand and wrist surgeons who will be able to treat and diagnose carpal tunnel. Our specialists will be able to administer the prompt carpal tunnel treatment you need. Come see us and get the treatment you deserve!
