Almost everyone has heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, but not everyone is able to separate some of the more farfetched tales from the facts. The truth is, there are a lot of common carpal tunnel myths that are perpetually spread without anyone ever realizing that most of them are false. So let’s bust some common carpal tunnel myths.
Common Carpal Tunnel Myths
Below, your local neurosurgeon in Los Angeles will review important information about carpal tunnel syndrome while separating the fact from the fiction.
Myth #1: Keyboards are the Biggest Cause of Carpal Tunnel
It is crucial to understand that the definition of carpal tunnel syndrome is that it comes from any type of repeated movement. This does not necessarily mean that typing on a keyboard or playing the piano is more likely to give you these symptoms. Riding a bike, driving a car, playing sports, and writing notes. These all include repeated hand motions which could ultimately lead to carpal tunnel. It is simply something that occurs with the gradual progress of similar movements.
Myth #2: Carpal Tunnel Damage Lasts Forever
Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about an inevitable injury that is doomed to last a lifetime. If the symptoms of carpal tunnel are noticed early enough, it is possible to start an assertive treatment plan to keep your body from getting damaged permanently. Unfortunately, the longer the carpal tunnel continues to grow undetected, the more difficult it can be to treat. Untreated carpal tunnel syndrome can absolutely lead to long-term pain and stiffness in the hands.
Myth #3: Carpal Tunnel Only Affects the Hands
Most people immediately think of their wrists and their hands when they imagine having carpal tunnel syndrome. While the hand is the part of the body most affected by carpal tunnel, that doesn’t mean that it is the only part. In reality, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can exist anywhere from the neck, to the shoulder, to the arms, to the tips of your fingers. It usually results in an amassed pain in the hands and wrists, but it is by no means isolated to that part of the body alone.
Myth #4: It Only Hurts When Using Your Hands
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can happen at any time. Major compression on your carpal tunnel nerve results in a lot of pain, and that is just as likely to happen while you are using your hands as it is in the middle of the night. Inactivity can sometimes exacerbate symptoms just like overuse can. A quick solution is to give your hands a massage or run them under warm water for some instant pain relief.
Myth #5: There is No Permanent Treatment
A lot of folks believe that surgery is the only way to fix carpal tunnel syndrome and that it’s a costly and intensive operation. There are several other treatments that your doctor will want to try with you before recommending surgery as a last resort. For instance, you can invest in a wrist brace that helps to support your nerves and prevent internal compression. Physical therapy and over-the-counter pain medications will work to reduce pain and increase your flexibility over time.
Don’t Hesitate to Get Carpal Tunnel Treatment Now!
Visit Dr. Yashar at the office of neurosurgery to invest in top-of-the-line carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in Los Angeles. Are you experiencing your symptoms for the first time? Or have you been going through severe joint issues for a while? Either way, we have a treatment plan that works best for you. Contact us today to set up a personal consultation. And don’t hesitate a moment longer to receive the treatment that you need ASAP!
