“Carpal tunnel syndrome” is a condition where the median nerve, which runs into the palm of one’s hand, gets squeezed at the wrist (carpal tunnel) by tendons that control the fingers. Decreased elasticity of tendons due to aging or occupational factors such as repetitive use of the hands are the major underlying causes.
Symptoms include numbness in the fingertips, a tingling sensation in the palm, and sometimes a flash of shooting pain like an electric shock in the hand.
The treatment method depends on the severity of the symptoms. Mind symptoms may get better with rest or anti-inflammatory medications, but more severe cases may require injections in the palm. If things still don’t get better, a patient may need to consider getting surgery.
occupational - relating to or caused by your job
underlying - real but not immediately obvious
numbness - a loss of feeling in a part of the body
tingling - to feel a ringing, stinging, prickling, or thrilling sensation
'손목터널증후군'이란 손바닥으로 지나가는 정중신경이 손가락을 움직이는 힘줄인 수근관(손목 터널)에 눌려 나타나는 질환이다. 노화로 인한 인대의 회복성이 떨어지거나, 직업특성으로 반복적인 손 사용이 주요 원인이다.
증상으로는 손가락 끝 감각이 무뎌지고. 손바닥이 저리며, 가끔은 손에 전기 충격을 받은 것처럼 찌릿한 통증을 수반한다.
치료 방법은 증상의 정도에 따라 다르다. 경미한 경우 휴식이나 염증약을 복용하면 증상이 호전될 수 있지만, 심한 경우에는 손바닥에 주사를 맞아야 할 수도 있다. 그래도 증상이 나아지지 않으면 수술을 고려해야 할 수도 있다.
- The device fits in the palm of your hand. / It should be pressed with the palm of your hand.
- I felt a flash of shooting pain behind my eyes. / There was a flash of shooting pain, but I was fine after that.
- My headache got better with rest. / He eventually got better with rest.
A: My wrist keeps going all numb lately.
B: Do you feel numbness in your fingertips?
A: Yes, a little.
B: Is it happening in both hands?
A: It’s far worse in my right hand.
B: It could be carpal tunnel syndrome. You should consider getting yourself checked up.
