WebMD explains that Carpal tunnel syndrome is pain, tingling, and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. Pressure on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome. This pressure can come from swelling or anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller, including: Illnesses such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.
Making the same hand movements over and over, especially if the wrist is bent. Computer work and gardening are examples of tasks that have repeated motions.
- Wrist injuries and bone spurs.
- Smoking, because it can reduce blood flow to the median nerve.
You may first notice symptoms at night, and may be able to get relief by shaking your hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is actually one of a large range of Repetitive Stress/Strain Injury or cumulative trauma disorders that can cause inflammation, stiffness, disability and pain for many people, such as tendinitis in the wrist and elbow or rotator cuff tendinitis of the shoulder. These Repetitive Stress/Strain Disorders cost more than $20 billion a year in worker's compensation claims. Battle Creek®, parent company of Thermophore.com has a specialty product to help make computer users more comfortable and protect against the stress and muscle cramping that may contribute to development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - a dual-temperature, warming Wrist Rest for use while working at the keyboard. Medical professionals have determined that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is preventable - and one easy precaution is to keep the wrist warm, to prevent cramping and decrease the likelihood of injury. If you have already begun to develop a stress injury, medical professionals generally recommend using cold therapy to reduce the inflammation and pain. We have an Ice It!®
ColdCOMFORT Therapy System (Model 570 - Wrist) Specifically designed to treat the wrist, hand and Carpal Tunnel area with cold therapy. If your symptoms are in the elbow or shoulder, you may find that one of the larger Ice It!® styles
Model 516 would be better suited to your needs. We have specially-contoured designs to wrap entirely around either the shoulder or the elbow. The flexible cold pack, soft fabric wrap and wide elastic strap with Velcro® closures on both ends make it possible for you to continue with your daily activities during your cold therapy session.
