• Published on: Mar 16, 2022
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Diagnosis, Prevention & Treatment

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Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and arm. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that protects the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand. CTS occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed or pinched as it passes through the carpal tunnel. This compression can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. CTS is a common condition that affects millions of people each year. Treatment for CTS often includes splinting, physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an ailment that can result from the repetitive motion of the wrist, which puts pressure on the median nerve. This condition can cause tingling, numbness, and pain in the affected hand and fingers. In severe cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to muscle weakness and loss of function in the hand. If you think you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention is often key to preventing long-term damage. It causes pain and numbness in the hand and arm. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, ligament-covered passageway in the wrist. It protects the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand. The median nerve controls movement and feeling in the thumb and first two fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including inflammation or injury to the ligaments or tendons in the wrist, pregnancy, weight gain, diabetes, and thyroid problems. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain in the hand and wrist that radiates up into the arm. Treatment for CTS includes rest, splinting, exercises, and surgery.

Some people are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than others. Factors that may increase your risk include:

- Being female: Women are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men.

- Having diabetes: People with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

- Obesity: Carrying excess weight around your waist can place added pressure on the nerves in your hands and wrists, increasing your risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.

It is a medical condition that results from compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This compression can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand and fingers.

The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive hand motions (such as typing), but it can also be caused by pregnancy, obesity, arthritis, or a cyst or tumor. The best way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome is to avoid doing activities that put your hands in a position where they are likely to be compressed. Treatment options include resting your hands, wearing a splint or brace, taking medication, or having surgery. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a type of repetitive strain injury that affects the hands and wrists. It's caused by repetitive use of the hands and wrists, such as when you type on a computer keyboard or use a screwdriver.

The main symptoms are pain, tingling, and numbness in the fingers. These symptoms can be very frustrating and can make it difficult to do everyday tasks.

There is no one definitive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, but there are many things that you can do to help relieve your symptoms. These include taking breaks from activities that aggravate your symptoms, using splints or braces to support your wrists, and taking medication prescribed by your doctor. There is no one definitive test for carpal tunnel syndrome; diagnosis is based on your symptoms and a physical examination. 

The most common symptoms are numbness and tingling in the hand and forearm, although pain, weakness, and atrophy can also occur. The syndrome is caused by a variety of factors, including repetitive motions (such as typing), pregnancy, obesity, and arthritis. There is no one definitive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome; options include rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, surgery, and physical therapy.

Most people with carpal tunnel syndrome are treated with non-surgical measures such as braces or splints to keep the wrists in a neutral position, medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, or injections of cortisone into the carpal tunnel. If these measures don't relieve symptoms, surgery may be recommended.

The main symptoms of CTS are numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers. These symptoms may be worse at night and may wake you up from sleep. You may also have pain in your hand and wrist, weakness in your hand, or difficulty gripping things.

There is no one definitive test for diagnosing CTS. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition affecting the hands and wrists. Symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands. The condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which passes through a small opening in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.

There is no one definitive cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, certain risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing the condition, including Repetitive motions or activities such as typing or sewing

Pregnancy

Smoking

Diabetes mellitus

Some forms of arthritis

There are various treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome depending on its severity. Treatment options may include Wearing a splint or brace to keep the wrist in a neutral position.

Treatments can definitely help relieve symptoms. These treatments include rest, ice packs applied to the wrist, splints to keep the wrist in a neutral position, medication to reduce inflammation and pain relief medication. The main causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as those often experienced by people who work with their hands (e.g., cashiers, assembly line workers) or play a stringed instrument regularly. Other causes include pregnancy, obesity, arthritis, and diabetes.

Read Blog
Switch Soda with Detox Water: A Simple Step Toward Better Metabolic Health

Switch Soda with Detox Water: A Simple Step Toward Better Metabolic Health

Soda and sugary beverages have become a major contributor to India’s rising burden of metabolic diseases. According to NFHS-5 and ICMR data, high intake of sugary drinks significantly increases the risk of obesity, high blood sugar, fatty liver disease and heart problems. Replacing these drinks with detox water is one of the easiest and most sustainable lifestyle changes for preventive health.

Detox water is not a medical treatment-it is a healthy hydration alternative that supports the body’s natural processes. SecondMedic encourages simple, evidence-based swaps like this to help individuals improve daily habits without drastic diets.

 

Why Soda Is a Major Health Concern in India

1. Extremely high sugar content

A single can of soda contains:

  • 8-10 teaspoons of sugar

  • Over 140 empty calories
     

This spikes glucose levels and increases insulin resistance.

2. Artificial additives

Flavours, colours and preservatives strain the liver and may worsen inflammation.

3. Link to chronic diseases

ICMR and Lancet studies show soda consumption increases risk of:

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Hypertension

  • Weight gain

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
     

4. Poor hydration

Soda does not hydrate the body. Caffeine and sugar can actually increase dehydration.

 

Benefits of Switching to Detox Water

Detox water provides hydration and additional wellness support through natural ingredients.

• Improved metabolism

Ingredients like lemon, ginger and cinnamon support metabolic balance.

• Better digestion

Mint and ginger soothe the digestive system.

• Stable blood sugar

Sugar-free detox blends prevent rapid glucose spikes.

• Enhanced hydration

Water absorption improves when infused with electrolytes and antioxidants.

• Reduced cravings

Replacing soda breaks dependence on sugar.

• Skin health improvement

Hydration + antioxidants help reduce dullness and inflammation.

 

Popular Detox Water Ingredients and Their Benefits

Lemon

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, helps improve digestion and immunity.

Mint

Reduces bloating and supports gut comfort.

Cucumber

Hydrates deeply and reduces water retention.

Cinnamon

Known for supporting stable blood sugar.

Ginger

Anti-inflammatory and excellent for digestion.

Apple slices

Add natural sweetness without added sugar.

Berries

High in antioxidants; good for heart health.

 

Easy Detox Water Recipes

1. Lemon + Ginger Detox

Supports metabolic health and digestion.

2. Cucumber + Mint Hydration Blend

Great for daily hydration and cooling.

3. Apple + Cinnamon Water

Helps stabilise glucose naturally.

4. Mixed Berry Infused Water

Boosts antioxidant levels for skin and heart health.

5. Turmeric + Lemon Detox

Mild anti-inflammatory properties.

 

How Detox Water Helps Reduce Soda Dependence

1. Replaces sweetness gradually

Natural fruit flavours reduce the urge for sugary beverages.

2. Keeps you full

Hydration decreases cravings, especially in the evening.

3. Offers variety

Different combinations keep the habit interesting.

4. Improves energy

Consistent hydration reduces fatigue and brain fog.

 

The Science Behind Hydration and Metabolic Health

According to WHO and NITI Aayog health reports:

  • Hydration improves nutrient transport

  • Helps maintain blood pressure

  • Aids liver detoxification

  • Supports kidney function
     

Soda disrupts these processes, while detox water supports them.

 

How SecondMedic Helps You Transition from Soda to Healthy Hydration

• AI Health Guide

Identifies sugar consumption patterns and suggests healthier beverage alternatives.

• Dietitian support

Provides personalised hydration plans for metabolic health.

• Preventive care tracking

Monitors progress for weight, energy and blood sugar.

• Health education

SecondMedic guides families, teenagers and adults on sustainable lifestyle swaps.

 

Tips to Make the Switch Successfully

1. Start gradually

Replace one soda per day with detox water.

2. Add natural flavour

Use citrus or herbs to enhance taste.

3. Keep it accessible

Carry a bottle to avoid impulse soda purchases.

4. Choose chilled detox water

Cold drinks create a similar refreshing experience.

5. Track your progress

Energy and digestion improve noticeably within 2-3 weeks.

 

Conclusion

Switching soda with detox water is a small step with big preventive health benefits. It reduces sugar intake, supports metabolic wellness, improves hydration and strengthens long-term health. With personalized recommendations from SecondMedic, this transition becomes easy, enjoyable and effective.

 

References

• ICMR - Sugar Consumption & Metabolic Health Report
• NFHS-5 - Obesity, Diet and Lifestyle Indicators
• NITI Aayog - Preventive Health & Hydration Behaviour Study
• WHO - Health Effects of Sugary Drinks
• Lancet - Soda Consumption & Disease Burden India
• Statista - Beverage Consumption Trends in India
• EY-FICCI - Lifestyle Behaviour & Preventive Health Report

See all

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