Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause hand crippling. Learn about this disease.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause hand crippling. Learn about this disease.

Health problems: Pain and tingling in the hand can often be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, which requires timely care.

Due to today's busy lifestyle, very few people have time to take care of their health. Everyone has so much work that they spend all day sitting in front of a computer, making exercise and other healthy habits a distant dream. In fact, a lack of exercise and stretching can lead to body aches, joint pain, and many other problems. However, due to lack of time, people simply take painkillers to cope. However, sometimes the condition becomes serious and can cause permanent damage to the body. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one such problem, which causes a person's hand to become numb and painful. If you often experience pain in your hand or numbness in a part of your hand, then this article is for you and you should definitely know about it.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

It is an anatomy-related problem in which a nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, resulting in tingling and pain in the hand. However, with timely care and proper treatment and home remedies, this problem can be cured.

This problem can be caused by excessive use of the wrists.

People who overuse their wrists can also develop this problem. For example, if you work on a computer keyboard for hours or play games that require wrist use, your risk of developing this syndrome increases.

It can cause permanent disability.

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of a nerve in the wrist, causing tingling and even complete numbness in the area of ​​the hand connected to the nerve. This is usually caused by overuse of the wrist joint, resulting in compression of the nerve during a procedure.

People with these conditions are at greater risk.

Although anyone can develop carpal tunnel syndrome, those with arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid-related conditions are at higher risk. Previous wrist injuries are also at higher risk.

Contact a doctor as soon as you experience symptoms.

If you notice temporary numbness or pain in any part of your hand, you should consult a doctor immediately. If carpal tunnel syndrome is treated early, it can be treated before it becomes serious.

A good lifestyle is essential.

People who exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet are less likely to experience such problems. However, those who lead a sedentary lifestyle are at greater risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, adopting good lifestyle habits is crucial to prevent this condition.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

More About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is a condition in which a nerve in your wrist becomes compressed, causing severe pain and stiffness in your hand and entire arm. This occurs when the median nerve in your wrist becomes compressed. The carpal, which is called carpus in English, means wrist in Hindi. The word carpus is derived from the Greek word. Medically, the carpus is a group of eight small bones surrounding the wrist. These bones are located on both sides of the wrist, connecting the hand to the elbow. Nine to ten tendons and one nerve (the median nerve, which lies between the elbow and wrist) pass through the tunnel. All of these nerves pass through the carpal bone and are supported by a strong ligament called the flexor retinaculum. CTS can often manifest as more than one symptom, which is why it's called a syndrome.

Stages of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The severity of carpal tunnel syndrome is assessed in five stages, including abnormal tingling in the hand, loss of sensation, and weakness of the thumb muscles. Let's explore these stages.

Stage 1: Nocturnal paraesthesia can be felt in any part of the hand, especially where the median nerve passes.

Stage 2: This condition can occur at any time of the day and causes frequent stiffness in the hand.

Stage 3: Sensation is lost in the area where the median nerve passes.

Stage 4: Weakness and failure of the muscles below the thumb.

Stage 5: Widespread paralysis or loss of muscle mass of the muscles below the thumb, causing the thumb to no longer function properly.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Anyone suffering from CTS will experience pain, numbness, or pins and needles (like a pins and needles) where the median nerve passes. The median nerve runs through the outer half of the hand, including the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. As the disease progresses, the affected hand and fingers become increasingly difficult to grasp, and the muscles on the outer side of the hand also become damaged. Sometimes, severe pain may occur in the front of the elbow and wrist.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Nerve compression is not something that is impossible to diagnose. In such cases, CTS is called idiopathic. This syndrome often results from a wrist injury or medical conditions that compress the median nerve in the wrist, such as arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, obesity, and sometimes even pregnancy. CTS is also seen in patients who take period-advancing pills or take medication to treat epilepsy. Lipomas and lumps in the wrist can also put pressure on the nerve, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.

It is observed that CTS symptoms usually appear in the middle of the night. These symptoms can sometimes appear on one or both wrists. Nowadays, this condition is commonly associated with computer use and is the most familiar form of computer-related injury, called CRI. This injury is caused by excessive wrist use. It most often occurs in people who type on a computer or chat on the phone all day. This results from overuse and stress on the tendons in the wrist, thumb, or shoulder. This type of injury is called repetitive strain injury (RSI).

Risk Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are some risk factors associated with this condition that you need to know about.

Heredity: It runs in some families, causing some people to have changes in the structure of the carpal tunnel or the size or location of the nerve.

Age: This condition is more common in people after the age of 50.

Gender: This condition is more common in women than in men.

Hormonal Changes: Certain hormonal changes during pregnancy may increase the risk of CTS in women.

Weight: Overweight people are at higher risk for CTS.

Habits: Smoking and alcohol.

Occupations: People with certain occupations are at higher risk for CTS, such as computer users, transcriptionists, factory workers, butchers, barbers, janitors, musicians, drivers, and cashiers.

How to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

In this condition, patients need to make lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms and ensure treatment is effective. Since this condition is caused by overuse of the wrist, patients should take frequent breaks during work and rest the painful area, especially when experiencing discomfort. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

Using a gadget to keep your wrist straight can help prevent excessive pressure on the wrist. Wearing a splint at night can help keep your wrist in the correct position. Avoid undue stress on the thumb. To do this, use your entire hand and fingers to grasp an object.

To relieve CTS-related symptoms and pain, rest whenever you're at home, and don't forget to exercise if the pain is mild. Exercise can help build muscle strength and reduce symptoms.

Finally, timely treatment of CTS is essential. Ignoring symptoms will only lead to further damage.

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The symptoms of CTS are very distinctive, so they're not difficult to diagnose. A doctor can assess the patient's past medical history or use the Durkan test or Tinel's sign (a pins-and-needles sensation). Symptoms can also be evaluated using the Phalen test, a physical examination that confirms CTS. An X-ray may be recommended to rule out injury or arthritis. Doctors may also recommend a nerve conduction velocity test (NCV) to diagnose this condition. An electromyogram (EMG) can measure electrical activity in the muscles to show muscle damage. An ultrasound can also be performed to check for compression of the median nerve.

The difference between wrist and hand pain is diagnosed as follows:

De Quervain's tendonitis: Pain experienced when making a fist or shaking hands.

Trigger finger: Pain and stiffness experienced when bending the thumb and other fingers.

Arthritis: Pain experienced due to swollen or stiff joints.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

When a person is diagnosed with this condition, there is no need to panic, as there are several treatment options. These can be divided into non-surgical and surgical options. With lifestyle changes, this condition is quite easy to treat. Non-surgical options are suitable for cases where the patient has a less severe form of CTS. These non-surgical options include:

Splints: Braces and splints are recommended to support the wrist, especially at night.

Physiotherapy and exercise: Once diagnosed, patients are typically prescribed CTS-specific exercises to tone the muscles in their upper limbs to reduce the severity of symptoms. The purpose of these exercises is to widen the carpal tunnel to create space for the affected nerve.

Steroid injections: These injections help reduce inflammation and temporarily alleviate symptoms. However, they are not considered a permanent or long-term treatment.

If non-surgical methods do not alleviate symptoms, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options for CTS include:

Surgical carpal tunnel release: This surgery, also known as open surgery or endoscopic, involves dividing the retinaculum to create more space for the nerve. This surgery is performed for patients who have not responded to other treatment options. To date, it is the only permanent solution to the problem.

The results of this operation are generally good, and the likelihood of symptoms returning is very low. Your grip should begin to improve within 2-3 months of surgery. However, a serious complication of the operation is stiffness in your thumb.

Avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Improving Your Lifestyle

This condition is a factor in many of our daily activities, so to prevent future recurrences, we should take effective measures, such as changes in our workplace. We should focus on maintaining proper body posture. Special attention should be paid to maintaining the position of the hand and wrist. You should take frequent breaks from work, as excessive strain on the wrist can lead to this condition. Proper positioning while sleeping. Furthermore, evaluating and properly using equipment at work can help reduce the risk of CTS.

Surgery-related key points and complications

Recovery from surgery is relatively short. Stitches are removed a few days after surgery. Symptoms should be relieved approximately 14 days after the removal of the stitches. Most people recover well and can resume normal activities after approximately 6 weeks. Regular rest, stretching exercises, and correct wrist posture can all help.

Complications

If you leave this condition untreated, you may develop a lifelong problem that may be irreversible, causing unbearable pain, stiffness, and muscle weakness.

Alternative Treatments for Surgery

Yoga has proven to provide relief for some people with this condition. Yoga has proven to be a form of alternative treatment that has proven beneficial in reducing pain and improving strength.

‘A person smiling on the outside may be in pain on the inside’

 ‘A person smiling on the outside may be in pain on the inside’

A hectic lifestyle, economic insecurity, rising unemployment, social expectations and fear of the future, as well as the influence of excessive social media, are further increasing mental pressure.

‘A person smiling on the outside may be in pain on the inside’

The \'Let's talk about our hearts\' campaign launched by the Nepal government is a national initiative to make mental health a social priority and break the silence.

The campaign aims to encourage adolescents, youth and the general public to seek awareness, empathy and support about mental health.

We live in a society bound by collective thinking and culture. It is our habit to talk to each other, gather, and exchange experiences. Whether at home, in a tea shop, in the office or on social media - there is no shortage of words. But one important thing is often lost in all this dialogue - the heart.

From the outside, many people look normal and happy. They have a smile on their face, and their behavior is easy. But that smile is not always genuine. Some people put on a show of their pain so that no one can see it. On the inside, they may be tired, scared, confused, and depressed. These mental struggles that are not visible on the outside are not easily understood, and are often ignored.

The Importance of the ‘Let’s Talk About It’ Campaign

The ‘Let’s Talk About It’ campaign launched by the Government of Nepal is not just an information program, it is a national initiative to make mental health a social priority, break the silence, give courage to speak up, and encourage people to seek help.

The campaign focuses on promoting awareness, empathy, compassion, and dialogue about mental health, especially among adolescents, youth, and the general public. It aims to remove discrimination and misconceptions, develop stress management and various skills, and encourage people to seek professional help when needed. In addition, the campaign also covers social safety and support services such as digital wellness, family and community support, and the 1166 helpline.

The Pain Behind the Smile

In daily life, many people are fulfilling their responsibilities with a smile, but on the inside, they are suffering. They want to express their feelings, but they are afraid - 'If I tell my pain, will society think I am weak, will they criticize me, will they blame me?' Worries like these prevent them from speaking up.

Because of these thoughts and fears, the pain of the mind remains hidden inside. Over time, these problems become deeper and begin to affect the person's performance, relationships, and enthusiasm for life. Eventually, it may become difficult to even do normal tasks.

How do mental problems look?

Many in our society still associate mental problems with 'madness'. Most people easily assume that 'he is depressed' or 'he is crazy' when they see symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, fatigue, or inability to concentrate. But the reality is different from such simple perceptions.

Mental problems come in many forms and can manifest differently in each person. While some may suffer from constant sadness, lack of confidence, or insomnia, others may experience excessive anger, anxiety, social distancing, or changes in behavior.

Some people may experience difficulty expressing their feelings, losing focus at work or school, or having difficulty fulfilling daily responsibilities. Similarly, there may be a more severe mental health problem that can have a long-term impact.

Importantly, not all mental health problems are always obvious from the outside. Some people hide their suffering and act as if they are normal, which can mislead society. Therefore, a sensitive approach is needed to understand each person’s experiences, circumstances, and inner feelings, rather than judging mental health problems solely based on external behavior.

Why is a mental health campaign necessary now?

Mental health problems are not new in Nepal. But the environment for talking about them openly was not created for a long time. Many still associate mental health with ‘weakness’ or ‘madness’. These are challenging times – a hectic lifestyle, economic insecurity, rising unemployment, social expectations and fear of the future, as well as the influence of excessive social media, are increasing mental pressure.

These are the reasons why people are stressed inside. In such situations, the ‘Speak Your Mind’ campaign works to break the silence, encourage people to speak up, and create an environment that inspires them to seek help.

Listening: Our Shared Responsibility

Many people ask – what can we do if we are not the treating doctors?’ The answer is simple – we can listen. This means listening attentively, not interrupting, and not imposing immediate solutions. Without denying feelings, sometimes a simple statement like ‘I understand you’ can be a great support.

When is it necessary to seek help from a specialist?

Not all problems can be solved by yourself or with the help of a friend. If the problem persists for a long time, begins to affect work, studies, or relationships, persistent negative thinking increases, or thoughts of self-harm/suicide begin to arise, it is essential to seek help immediately.

In this case, consulting a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional can be a life-saving step. Seeking help in a timely manner can help Health problems are easier to manage and have a positive impact on a person's life, performance and overall health.

Only when we speak our minds, understand others and show empathy, can we build a healthy, cooperative society. The 'Speak Your Mind' campaign gives us this message - speaking up is not weakness, it is courage. Sometimes, a little listening and a little support can save a life.

5 Benefits of Reducing Sugar Intake for Kidneys

 5 Benefits of Reducing Sugar Intake for Kidneys

Reducing sugar helps control weight, blood pressure, and maintain good kidney health, which helps prevent kidney diseases.

Nepalese people start their day with tea with sugar. Tea, coffee, sauces, biscuits, and sweets all contain sugar. According to the World Health Organization, the average person should not consume more than 6 teaspoons of sugar per day, 25 grams, but many Nepalese consume more than this, which causes health problems. Eating too much sugar not only increases weight but also worsens kidney health. If you reduce your sugar intake, you can prevent kidney diseases and maintain good kidney health.

A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open analyzed data from 127,830 adults. It was found that those who consumed more than one glass of sugary drinks such as Coke, Fanta, or other sugar-sweetened beverages a day had a 19 percent higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. This study also showed that those who replaced these sweet drinks with water or natural juices had a 7 to 10 percent lower risk of chronic kidney disease.

1. Blood pressure does not increase and kidney blood vessels remain healthy

Eating too much sugar increases obesity quickly, gaining weight increases blood pressure, and high blood pressure has a negative impact on kidney blood vessels. Reducing sugar helps control weight and blood pressure. In the Global Burden of Disease study, high sugar intake was found to increase high blood pressure and body mass index, which contributes to 93.8 percent of deaths from chronic kidney disease.

2. Blood pressure is controlled and there is no pressure on the kidneys

The kidneys filter the blood and remove toxins from the body. Eating too much sugar increases glucose levels. High blood pressure and high blood sugar over time damage the blood vessels in the kidneys. This is why high sugar can lead to kidney failure. When blood sugar is more than 180 mg/dl, the kidneys spill sugar into the urine, which damages the kidneys. Reducing the amount of sugar does not put too much pressure on the kidneys and keeps the kidneys healthy.

3. Protects against the effects of fatty liver

People who eat a lot of refined sugar gain weight quickly and have fatty liver problems. If there is fatty liver, the kidneys are also affected. In a study related to non-alcoholic fatty liver, it has been concluded that high sugar intake causes non-alcoholic fatty liver. Reducing sugary drinks or sugar maintains good metabolic health and does not worsen kidney health. In the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, it is mentioned that high added sugar increases non-alcoholic fatty liver and this promotes kidney damage.

4. Reduces the risk of kidney stones

Uric acid levels may increase in people who eat a lot of sugar. High uric acid increases the risk of kidney stones. Added sugar increases the risk of kidney stones. Reducing sugar can help control uric acid and reduce the risk of kidney stones. Sugar can increase calcium in the urine and reduce fluid intake for kidney stones.

5. Reduces kidney risk factors

The two biggest risk factors for kidney damage are inflammation and obesity. Reducing sugar can reduce both inflammation and obesity. Inflammation impairs kidney health, and obesity causes the kidneys to filter more blood, which increases pressure. The Canadian Medical Association Journal states that high sugar can increase inflammation and increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. Reducing sugar can control both obesity and inflammation. In Frontiers in Immunology, added sugar was found to increase chronic inflammation and lead to obesity.

Lungs: What they are, how they work?

 Lungs: What they are, how they work?

Damage to the lungs from minor infections or injuries can heal on their own, but damage from smoking, pollution, or chronic diseases can be permanent.

The lungs are the main part of our respiratory system and work to deliver oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide.

How many times do you breathe in a minute? In seconds? Have you ever counted? How long can you live without taking a breath? Have you ever wondered about this?

Because breathing in and out is an automatic process, for which you do not have to make any extra effort. But, what happens if that breath suddenly stops? You certainly have the answer.

Not only is it essential for life, but the lungs play a major role in taking in and releasing oxygen, which is needed every moment.

The lungs, which are soft, sponge-like structures inside the chest, supply the body with oxygen and energy and remove toxic carbon dioxide.

What role do the lungs play in the continuous process from taking in oxygen to taking out carbon dioxide? Why are two lungs necessary? How much damage does smoking cause?

What is the function of the lungs and what is their structure?

The lungs are the main organs of our respiratory system. They are made of soft, flexible tissue like a sponge and are located inside the chest around the heart. The lungs have a thin membrane on the outside that protects them. They are divided into two parts: the right lung has three parts: ‘upper, middle and lower’. The left lung has two parts: ‘upper and lower’. The left lung is slightly smaller because the heart occupies more space on the left.

The respiratory system begins with the nose or mouth. Air enters the trachea through the throat. It is then divided into two parts. The air we inhale enters the right and left lungs separately. After reaching the lungs, the bronchi divide 23 times like the branches of a tree, reaching the smallest tubes and ending at the ‘alveoli’ (air sacs).

The alveoli are thin membranous tissues like grape clusters, around which the blood vessels coming from the heart are spread like a spider web. An adult has 300 million to 600 million alveoli.

If the lungs are fully expanded, their surface area is 70-100 square meters, the size of a tennis court. The lung weighs 1 to 1.2 kilograms. The right one is slightly larger and heavier. The lung is the only organ in the body that can float in water, because it is always full of air. Even after breathing out completely, about 1 liter of air remains in it.

What is its main function?

The main function of the lungs is to supply oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide, which is called gas exchange. This is possible due to the thin membrane between the alveoli and the blood vessels.

Oxygen is absorbed from the air coming from outside and enters the circulatory system and reaches various cells of the body to provide energy. Similarly, carbon dioxide, a toxic gas produced by the body's organs, enters the alveoli through the blood vessels and is released when we exhale. This process continues continuously. The lungs also filter the air, which protects the body from infection.

It produces phlegm, which traps dust, germs, and pollutants and expels them when we cough them up. We breathe 8,000 to 9,000 liters of air every day, but the body uses only 5 percent of the oxygen from this air. The lungs are closely connected to the heart, so heart problems can also affect the lungs.

Why do humans have two lungs? What happens if one lung fails?

The main reason for having two lungs is for the body’s balance and safety. Both lungs work separately but support each other. If one lung develops a problem, such as cancer or infection, the other one takes over, which can help save lives. This makes it easier for the heart and other organs to function together.

Even if one lung is completely removed, a person can still survive, but not at full capacity. The failed lung can cause problems such as infection, blistering, or bleeding, and the infection can spread to the other lung because there is no barrier between the two.

Pollution or other external factors affect both equally, but some diseases can affect only one side. If a failed lung causes a lot of problems, it may need to be surgically removed.

How do the lungs take in and expel air?

The process of taking in air is called respiration, which consists of two stages – ‘inhalation’, which is the process of drawing air in, and ‘exhalation’, which is the process of expelling air out. This process is controlled by the brain and occurs 12-20 times per minute.

During inhalation, air from the nose or mouth passes through the throat, trachea, bronchi, and small tubes in the lungs, and then reaches the alveoli. The diaphragm muscle moves down, increasing the space in the chest, which draws air in. About half a liter of air is taken in with each breath.

During exhalation, the diaphragm moves up, the chest narrows, and air is expelled from the lungs. This process is also called ventilation. It is affected in chronic lung diseases, which are called respiratory failure. Sudden problems such as food getting stuck in the airway or tumors can also affect it.

Is there a chance of recovery if the lungs are damaged? How does smoking affect this?

The likelihood of lung damage depends on the type and extent of damage. The lungs have some ability to regenerate. They can heal themselves from minor infections or injuries, such as damage from the flu or pneumonia, which can be treated and cured with time and rest. However, serious damage caused by smoking, pollution, or chronic diseases such as COPD, fibrosis, or cancer can be permanent and may not fully recover. In such cases, medical treatment, medication, or surgery may be necessary.

Smoking is harmful to the lungs. It damages the fine hairs and membranes of the airways, which makes it easier for dust, smoke, or viruses to enter the lungs. This increases the risk of pneumonia or other infections. Smokers' lungs become black/brown, inflamed, and damaged. However, quitting smoking has a positive effect on the lungs. The lungs have various defense mechanisms, such as nasal hairs, which are damaged by smoking but largely repaired after quitting.

Although not completely restored, the risk of infection is reduced and health improves. Quitting smoking is beneficial at any age, even up to 90 years. A healthy lifestyle, exercise, and avoiding pollution increase the chances of recovery, but this depends on individual health. If there is a problem, it is best to consult a doctor.

What are the main problems that occur in the lungs? And how to maintain lung health?

Immediate problems in the lungs such as colds, coughs, nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, chest pain, and problems with the airways that cause coughing or wheezing. In the long term, pneumonia, lung infections, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer are the main ones. Lung infections, asthma, and cancer are more common in Nepal. As diseases like asthma increase, lung capacity decreases, which affects daily life.

Lung health depends on daily air quality, diet and lifestyle. Healthy lungs are pink in color. To keep them healthy, you should quit smoking completely, exercise regularly, which increases lung capacity.

Wear a mask to avoid pollution, breathe clean air, eat a balanced diet and drink enough water. If you have difficulty breathing, cough or chest pain, you should immediately get checked by a doctor. Since the lungs are connected to the heart and other organs, it is necessary to pay attention to overall health.