Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
Carpel tunnel syndrome presents as tingling, numbness and pain in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half the ring finger. It can be found in men and women.
One cause is occupational where the structure on the palmer aspect of the hand by the wrist called the flexor retinaculum becomes tighter and compresses the median nerve to the hand. Occupations that are prevalent to this condition can include dentistry, lorry drivers any profession involving a lot of keyboard work, manual workers, hairdressers or any other profession that involves the hand to grip.
Another cause can be trauma including fractures, sprains and strains to the wrist.
Hormone changes in women can contribute towards carpel tunnel syndrome symptoms. These hormone changes can take place during pregnancy and the menopause causing the body to retain more fluid than usual.
Obesity can cause CTS.
Some long term, chronic illnesses can lead to the development of CTS such as obesity, diabetes and hypothyroidism.
Osteopathic treatment can help by stretching out the flexor retinaculum with soft tissue and articulation in order to increase the area in the carpel tunnel where the median nerve to the hand runs. Exercises to stretch the area are helpful.