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Carpal tunnel syndrome affects people of all ages, but is most common in the 20 to 50-year-old age group. For the most part, those in this age group are in the workforce and engage in repetitive hand or wrist movements daily. Some studies have shown that more women than men tend to have carpal tunnel syndrome, although both genders do. One reason for the possibility that women suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome more than men do is because for many, their wrist bones are smaller and therefore there is less space for the tendons in the carpal tunnel, which can lead to inflammation and carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.

Because of this type of repetitive stress injury, tendons themselves can become inflamed in the carpal tunnel, which can cause the median nerve to be compressed in the wrist. If inflammation is particularly slight, symptoms may also be mild, including numbness or tingling in the hands or wrists. For some people, symptoms are mild enough that they’re active for some time before they are actively disabled by them. However, once carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms appear, it’s not likely that they will go away without treatment, and the syndrome is also degenerative, in that it can get worse over time. If you’ve suffered previous injuries or trauma to your hands or wrists, you may also be more susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. If you have lupus, diabetes, or breast cancer, or if you have been pregnant, you may also be susceptible to developing carpal tunnel syndrome; other medical conditions may also make you susceptible to developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

In addition, it may get worse over time, and if you have had injuries to your wrists or hands, you may have a greater propensity to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than someone else who has not had this type of injury. Those who have chronic diseases like diabetes, lupus, or cancer, or who have been pregnant may also be more at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome than other people.

One thing for sure. Once the median nerve is put under pressure due to movement it will not go away without treatment and may only get worse with time. Some people who have suffered from previous injuries or trauma to their wrists or hands may find that they will have to deal with carpal tunnel symptoms later on in life. Other medical conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes, breast cancer, lupus or other related illnesses could also produce carpal tunnel symptoms and place the sufferer at a higher risk than others.

One of the most effective ways to help treat carpal tunnel syndrome is by wearing a wrist brace. Wrist braces can be purchased in either short or long styles, and you can wear them during the day, during the evening, or all the time. There are several different styles and choices to choose from, all of which is to help you gain wrist strength back and get your days without much discomfort.

In addition, you can wear these types of braces at night, during the day, or all the time, depending on what you need in the style of brace you choose. Regardless of the brace you choose, though, you will need to have fingers and thumb stay mobile even as your wrist is immobilized so that further damage is eliminated. Whatever the brace you choose based upon what you and your physician decide is best, make sure you exercise and stretch the muscles and tendons so that you can get back strength and avoid atrophy in the muscles as you heal.

Tom Nicholson has discovered a strange set of carpal tunnel exercises that have helped carpal tunnel sufferers all over the world. They are simple, easy to follow and can be done right from home. Take a look at his sight and find out what you can do to help prevent your CTS from progressing and easing the pain you feel now.