disease

The Best Wrist Braces for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

For people that are in career fields that require repetitive movements of the hands and wrists, carpal tunnel can have a huge impact on both your lifestyle and performance. This condition occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed or pinched at the wrist and can cause tingling or numbness. Additionally, the condition can cause muscle weakness. Since there are so many people working in offices and using computers these days, this condition has become rather commonplace.

If you frequently use your hands and wrists everyday but haven’t been stricken with this painful condition there are some things you can do to prevent this situation. Dealing with constant discomfort and pain can be exhausting and could be easier with the use of wrist braces.

You should not self-diagnose your wrist or hand pain. Be sure to see a medical professional in order to have an educated physician make the correct diagnosis if it is indeed carpal tunnel that you are dealing with. Many times people will assume an injury is just a short-lived pain and will heal itself or go away within time, while in fact it will continue to get worse without any medical attention or treatment plans in place. If you are experiencing any type of ‘pins and needles’ feeling, numbness or pain in your wrists, fingers or hands, be sure to seek the help of your family physician to correctly diagnose your symptoms before making any conclusions yourself.

When you use a wrist brace when dealing with the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome you will be able to alleviate much of the pain and discomfort that is experienced. Additionally, you will be protecting the joints and muscles from any further injury while still being able to be active. There are many different kinds of wrist braces that can be used. Each of them has their own advantages as well as limits for the user. In order to choose the wrist brace that best suits your needs, be sure to talk it over with your physician. This way you will choose the right brace to start the healing process. Some of the braces require a prescription, but many are available for purchase over the counter. They are available in a wide variety of sizes at various costs. They can be found at nearly any pharmacy location or outlets that sell medical supplies and equipment.

You will need a wrist brace that is durable and designed specifically to deal with carpal tunnel symptoms. The brace should keep your wrist at an even level and not force it into a position that is uncomfortable. Included should be a metal plate on the bottom of the brace that is shaped similar to the palm of your hand. Make sure that your thumb has mobility in your new brace since it is imperative that it is usable in order to help the recovery process rather than creating atrophy if the thumb is immobilized in the brace.

With a wrist brace that is properly fitted the carpal tunnel symptoms can be greatly minimized. If the brace is worn regularly and exercises and stretching is done as recommended by the doctor, great relief can be found. . Be sure to follow your treatment plan closely as it will help build back the strength in the muscles of the wrists and hands for use when you are not utilizing the wrist brace.

Wrist braces can be used either at night, during the day or during both times in order to help stabilize the wrist and keep the sufferer from injuring it further through flexion or over extension. Follow this link to learn some easy carpal tunnel exercises to have a freedom of pain of CTS.

* * * * *

Find Out How You Can Find Relief From Carpal Tunnel massage

By PHT Support

by Tom Nicholson

People that suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome know all to well about the days of intense pain and suffering as well as the reduction in their activities due to the reduced of motor activity in their hands and fingers. Many people will seek medical help and be given both pain medications and a supportive wrist brace. In severe cases surgery may be recommended to relive the pressure and pain in the wrist and hand. Surgery can often be avoided by combining carpel tunnel exercises with carpal tunnel massage. This method of relief is effective and has fewer side effects than surgery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed. By doing exercises that will strengthen the shoulder, neck, forearm and back muscles it is possible to prevent the condition from developing. People that do repetitive hand motions either for their work or hobbies are advised to take preventative measures in order to avoid the onset of this condition. Regular massage is effective at relieving any pressure that may be building as a result of the repetitive movements.

Carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t only caused by these repetitive motions. Conditions like a wrist injury, pregnancy, arthritis, obesity, and cigarette smoking can cause the median nerve to become compressed. The median nerve is critical to the operation of the thumb, the wrist, and the first three fingers on the hand. When the nerve compresses, the result can be debilitating. The pain is usually severe and a reduction in the use of the affected hand is common.

Once the condition has developed it is critical to begin a treatment plan as early as possible. This will prevent additional nerve damage and will relieve the pain associated with CTS. If left untreated the pain will likely begin to worsen with time. By massaging the area the carpal tunnel pain can be greatly reduced and the nerves functions may be restored.

By using a deep and stroking massage method, the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome can relieved and is a great alternative to surgery or pain killers. Long strokes that are administered from the forearm to the wrist should last for a few seconds in order to stimulate the blood circulation. Use pressure that feels good as well as hurts at the time the stroke are being applied.

Doing exercises that will strengthen the arm, back, shoulder and neck muscles should be done in addition to the carpal tunnel massage techniques. By doing resistance and squeezing exercises, muscles are stretched while the blood flow is increased in these areas. After just a few weeks of doing the carpal tunnel massage therapy along with the proper exercise the pain will be reduced considerably. If treatment is continued it is possible for the median nerve to return to normal.

People that are suffering from CTS know that the pain can be very intense at times. While it does take some time and effort in order to heal the condition the effort will pay off. By administering self massage, carpal tunnel exercises, and allowing the muscles and nerves to rest, relief can be found. This method of treatment will allow sufferers to avoid the risk that is involved with any type of surgery.

About the Author:

Wouldn’t you like to ease the symptoms of by your carpal tunnel syndrome using simple exercises instead of resorting to surgery? simple massage has been around for thousands of years and used around the world to keep the body healthy and maintain youthfulness. discover carpal tunnel exercises that can help you recover from CTS.

Hand and Wrist Positions for Relieving CT Symptoms Pain

By PHT Support

by Tom Nicholson

You probably already know about the nightmare that carpel tunnel syndrome can be to deal with. You have probably heard of the condition from a friend or co-worker that has battled it an know that you want no part of it. You may be thinking that you should take some steps to prevent this from happening to you. If you work in an office, are a construction worker or an athlete, you are probably wise to think like this. Anyone that uses their hands a repetitive way is at risk and should take steps to prevent carpel tunnel syndrome.

We always think our hands will be there for us. We don’t mind when we get a little burn or scratch from a pet. It seems that our hands can take a beating and just keep on going. The truth is that our hands are extremely valuable to us, and we need them to carry out countless chores throughout the day. But for those of us who use them in our daily jobs, they become even more valuable. You’d think people would take more preventative measures to keep their hands in tip-top shape!

What is carpal tunnel syndrome and what affect can it have on our hands? This condition can be very painful and often starts of as a tingling or numbness in the hands. The symptoms can also be present in the elbow and forearm depending on how long the symptoms have been present. Some people may loss the function of their hands and fingers and may require weeks of rehabilitation before they can be fully productive at their work. If the body starts to compensate for the pain of the carpel tunnel syndrome other conditions such as neck pain, shoulder pain, or back pain could occur.

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve-which runs the length of the arm-is compressed at the wrists. This compression occurs when the transverse carpal ligament is put under pressure and becomes tightened. The transverse carpal ligament is necessary because it binds ligaments and nerves together at the wrist and is important for maneuverability and functionality in your hands. By not keeping the hands loose and stress free, you are inviting pain and discomfort into that area. The good news is that there are some preventative habits you can acquire to prevent this from happening.

While some people may consider surgery for carpal tunnel pain, you may want to think twice. After all, the procedure does involve severing the transverse carpal ligament in the hopes that it will relieve the stress on the median nerve. While it does tend to give immediate pain relief, the lasting effects are unknown and can be devastating if not properly considered.

The one principle that should be considered when looking for relief from carpel tunnel pain, is how it can be done in a non-invasive and natural way. The first thing to look at is your eating and exercise habits. If your body is getting the proper nutrients it will be able to fight the effects of the carpel tunnel syndrome more effectively. Think about taking a few extra breaks while you are working in order to your hands a chance to rest. In addition to these steps, stretch and loosen you your wrist occasionally to keep them from becoming overly stressed. It will help to shake the hands occasionally to keep the blood flowing to the hands and fingers. Last but not least, good posture is critical when trying to prevent carpel tunnel syndrome.

About the Author:

If you have persistent signs and symptoms that might be due to carpal tunnel syndrome that interfere with your normal activities – including sleep – see your physician. If you leave the condition untreated, nerve and muscle injury can occur. visit carpal tunnel exercises first option to do.

Herbal-How Can It Help Losing Weight

By PHT Support

by Wan Mohd Hirwani Wan Hussain

Herbal weight loss supplements have become so popular in the last decade that manufacturers are spinning out more and more products and this leaves us, the consumers, confused by the choices. The cactus Hoodia Gordonni found in selected places in Africa is used to stop users feeling hungry for example. This clever plant fools the brain into believing the blood sugar levels are higher than they real are thus suppressing the desire to eat and as been used by local tribes for centuries.

People who use Guarana find that the caffeine it contains helps to speed up their metabolism in an effort to burn off calories but it is a diuretic as well. While this herbal weight loss supplement is [Read more…] about Herbal-How Can It Help Losing Weight

The Signs You’re Having a Stroke

By PHT Support

by Barb Hicks

Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain has been halted due to a clot or bleeding into the brain. Therefore, blood is unable to reach all destinations of the brain, resulting in a stroke. The person experiencing a stroke will begin to exhibit signs and symptoms. Some signs come and go usually within 5 minutes and leave no lasting effects. However, symptoms lasting longer may indicate a major stroke is occurring. Even if symptoms are short lived, it is imperative to get medical help immediately. If not treated as soon as possible, major brain damage and lifelong disabilities could result.

What are the signs?

– A tingling sensation in the face, arms or legs
– Inability to move or weakness on one side of the body
– Vision disruptions – Speech problems
– Inability to understand speech
– Nausea
– Pain
– Dizziness
– Severe Headache

If you know of someone around you experiencing these signs, call emergency immediately and seek the help of medical professionals.

Risk Factors for Stroke:

– Year of age: Once a person reaches age 55, their risk for stroke doubles every ten years
– Family History and Ethnic Background
– Gender: Women typically experience less risk of stroke than men
– Prior stroke
– Atrial Fibrillation
– Fractures of bones which can result in a fat embolism

Reducing your risks:

Manage blood pressure
Manage blood sugar levels
Decrease cholesterol
Decrease triglyceride levels
Eat a healthy diet
Exercise
Quit Smoking
Take medications as prescribed by your physician

A CT, MRI or Angiogram is what doctor’s will use in order to determine what type of stroke someone has experienced as well as its location and the extent of damage it has caused.

Medications such as clot busters or tPA must be given to the patient within hours of experiencing a stroke. For more severe types of stroke such as ischemic and hemorrhagic, surgical intervention is required.

Care after stroke:

Every patient is different and so are recovery times after a stroke has occurred. A timeline can range from a few days to over a year to recover full function. In some cases, the use of physical, occupational and speech therapy may be needed.

Medications:

– Thrombolytics – Clot busters that loosen or break up blood clots. The debris is cleaned up by phagocytic cells.

– Antiplatelet – Prevents platelet s from sticking together, thus preventing clot formation.

– Anticoagulants – Stops clots from forming, particularly those with A-fib who are prone to blood clots due to the rapid contractions of the atria of the heart.

If other diseases are present such as diabetes or hypertension, it is very important that you mange them carefully in order to ensure a lower risk of experiencing a stroke.

Regular exercise 3 days per week will help to reduce hypertension. High blood pressure is the major cause of stoke and is a factor in hemorrhagic strokes.

A healthy diet containing fresh fruits, whole grains and nuts, vegetables and lean meats is another great way to help lessen the risks for stroke.

About the Author:

Barb Hicks is a Licensed Registered Nurse who loves to write and share. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where she shares her knowledge about Early Warning Signs Of A Stroke and Stroke Treatment.

* * * * *

Anxiety – Therapy and Counseling

By PHT Support

by Gordon Dalwood

As any sufferer can attest to, having to deal with anxiety and panic attacks can be notoriously difficult and because this condition can virtually destroy the quality of a person’s life, seeking professional treatment is vital. In this case, the most common approach is to seek counseling and therapy from a duly qualified mental health professional.

Therapy and counseling are utilized to get to the psychological roots of the anxiety. The goal here is once the root of the problem is discovered it can be possible to reverse the ravages of the problem. However, one needs to have realistic expectations about these sessions in order to get the most out of them.

First of all, you need to realize that a counseling session is simply not able to deliver an immediate cure for anxiety. Strangely enough, many seem to think that a counselor will somehow reveal magic secret that will eliminate anxiety once and for all. To the contrary, it simply doesn’t work that way. Instead, a counseling session will attempt to reverse any problems which are associated with anxiety and this will be done in different steps. Given enough time and patience, a phenomenal amount of progress can be achieved with regards to excessive anxiety.

One should also bear in mind that while there are standardized psychological tests, the specific questions asked and also the actual approach will vary from one mental health professional to the next. Of course, each mental health professional will have their own methods for administering these tests in order to make a diagnosis. As such, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach with regards to counseling or therapy sessions.

Another aspect to the testing is there are no correct or incorrect answers to the therapist’s questions. The questions should be answered to the best of your ability. It is very important to be completely honest with your answers and do not keep anything to yourself. This will interfere with the success of the sessions.

You also need to bear in mind that counseling sessions are a two-way street. In other words; it’s not only your councilor that should be asking the questions but instead, you should be asking them questions as well in order to learn more about the condition. These are highly qualified people with plenty of experience so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Keeping a journal of how the anxiety is affecting you and what you have done to deal with this problem since the beginning of the therapy is another thing you may do when you are not in the sessions. This may help to show you what it is that may cause the attacks to start. Through keeping this journal you may better understand your behavior and see if you think the sessions are helping.

Counseling remains probably the most common treatment of anxiety. For many, these sessions not only help reduce anxiety, they can also reverse various other psychological problems that are discovered during the session. As such, the process is highly recommended to those looking to gain control of their life once again.