Do you have numbness or tingling in your fingers?

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

The nerves that control sensation and movement in our hands may become compressed at certain key points and this chronic pressure leads to the development of nerve entrapment syndromes called „tunnel syndromes”. The most common of these is carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is compressed.  Stress and strain, the use of computers and other electronic devices, housework, sporting activities may all play a role in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome has typical symptoms and it is important to recognize these symptoms in time and to take them seriously in order to retain pain free and adequate function of our hand.

Who is most often affected by carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is far more common in women than it is in men. The first symptoms of numbness and tingling may occur around the ages of 30-40, but most typically carpal tunnel syndrome becomes symptomatic over the age of 50.

What are the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are numbness and tingling of the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger. In those affected by carpal tunnel syndrome tingling, numbness and over time loss of sensation may occur in this area. Patients also complain of nighttime pain, clumsiness, a burning sensation in the fingers and occasionally cramping of the hand. Over time muscle wasting may occur around the muscles of the thumb (called the thenar muscles).

Patients often experience the symptoms of numbness and painful tingling during the night, but these symptoms may also occur during the daytime while driving, using a computer or other electronic devices. Over time carpal tunnel syndrome may lead to irreversible numbness of the fingers and muscle wasting around the thumb.

What can we do? How do Chrisofix® carpal tunnel orthoses help alleviate the problem?

The use of an adequate orthosis that keeps the wrist in the appropriate position to lessen the pressure on the median nerve plays a great role in the conservative (meaning without operation) treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. By wearing the orthosis the bothersome or even painful symptoms occurring during the night and maybe even during the daytime maybe alleviated.

How long should we wear the orthosis?

Depending on the severity of the carpal tunnel syndrome and the symptoms themselves wearing the orthosis may be necessary for a few weeks but more commonly for a few months, therefore comfort stability and hygienic considerations are paramount.

Why Chrisofix® carpal tunnel orthoses?

In the conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (meaning without an operation) resting the wrist in the appropriate position to lessen the pressure on the compressed median nerve to alleviate painful symptoms is paramount.

Due to their innovative design Chrisofix® carpal tunnel orthosis secure the wrist in the appropriate position, thereby having a maximum effect on decreasing the pressure on the nerve and thereby on minimizing symptoms (pain, tingling, numbness) as well.

Thanks to the special innovative design of Chrisofix® carpal tunnel orthoses the aluminum core that makes up the frame of the orthosis provides adequate stability while maintaining the opportunity for precise and exact fitting. The innovative design of Chrisofix® carpal tunnel orthoses ensure exact and precise fitting thereby preventing unwanted and uncomfortable potential symptoms caused by ill-fitting orthoses (pain caused by pressure and symptoms of skin irritation).