According to US Federal government statistics, an estimated 50 million adults in the United States have reported being told by a doctor that they have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. That number is astounding when you consider the effects of arthritis. Some forms of arthritis develop as a result of other underlying issues. One of those issues is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). If left untreated, CTS can cause permanent nerve damage, resulting in a  loss of function and feeling. Additionally, it can cause rheumatoid arthritis.

Cause of CTS

CTS is caused by either a physical problem or an underlying medical condition. It is hard to determine the exact physical causes of CTS due to lack of examination and evidence. Regardless, health professionals still agree that it is due to some kind of strenuous activity in the hand.

That is why CTS primarily affects middle-aged people who work with their hands. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the hand's way of telling the brain that it needs a break. Underlying medical conditions that cause CTS includes diabetes, end-stage renal failure, autoimmune disorders and other conditions.

What goes on in your wrist?

Because CTS can be caused by several factors, not every case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the same. A few different things can be happening to cause the symptoms.

Primarily, a compression on the median nerve is what causes the numbness and tingling. Inflammation can cause pain and edema (swelling) and also cause some CTS symptoms.

What you can do to help alleviate symptoms

You should be able to treat CTS with just resting your wrist. Stop whatever work causes the symptoms to act up. For example, if you work in an office and work long hours typing at a computer, you may need to stop working for a few days. Additionally, you should keep your wrist in a splint whenever you can. This will help keep everything in line, helping it to heal faster.

Lastly, you can use a topical pain reliever like 3-oz. Super Blue Stuff Pain Relief Roll on, which is a safe and natural product that is registered with the FDA.  The roll-on application makes it easy to apply at work or away from home.