• 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.

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Health

20% Health Time | A Smarter Way to Build Workplace Wellbeing

Modern workplaces are increasingly recognising that employee health is not separate from performance—it is foundational to it. Long work hours, constant digital connectivity and rising stress levels have led to burnout, lifestyle diseases and declining engagement across industries. In this context, the concept of 20% Health Time has emerged as a forward-thinking approach to workplace wellness.

20% Health Time allows employees to dedicate a portion of their paid working hours specifically to activities that support physical, mental and preventive health. Rather than treating wellness as an after-hours responsibility, this model integrates health directly into the work culture.

 

What Is 20% Health Time?

20% Health Time is a structured workplace initiative where employees are encouraged or allowed to spend approximately one-fifth of their working time on health-related activities.

These activities may include:

  • physical exercise or movement breaks
     

  • mental wellness practices
     

  • health education sessions
     

  • preventive health screenings
     

  • stress management and recovery
     

The core idea is simple: healthier employees perform better and sustain productivity longer.

 

Why Traditional Wellness Programs Fall Short

Many organisations offer wellness benefits such as gym memberships or annual checkups. While valuable, these programs often fail because:

  • employees lack time to use them
     

  • wellness is seen as optional
     

  • participation remains low
     

  • benefits are disconnected from daily work
     

20% Health Time addresses these gaps by embedding wellness into regular work hours.

 

Why Health Time Matters in Today’s Workplace

Rising Lifestyle Disease Burden

Public health data shows increasing rates of:

  • diabetes
     

  • hypertension
     

  • obesity
     

  • mental health disorders
     

These conditions affect working-age adults and directly impact productivity and healthcare costs.

 

Burnout and Mental Fatigue

Constant pressure and lack of recovery time lead to:

  • chronic stress
     

  • disengagement
     

  • absenteeism
     

  • high attrition
     

Health Time creates space for recovery and resilience.

 

Sedentary Work Culture

Desk-bound work contributes to:

  • musculoskeletal problems
     

  • cardiovascular risk
     

  • low energy levels
     

Dedicated health time encourages movement and prevention.

 

How 20% Health Time Benefits Employees

Improved Physical Health

Regular movement and preventive care reduce long-term health risks.

 

Better Mental Wellbeing

Time for mindfulness, rest and stress management improves emotional balance.

 

Higher Energy and Focus

Healthy routines improve concentration and reduce fatigue.

 

Empowerment and Autonomy

Employees feel trusted to manage their wellbeing, increasing engagement.

 

How Employers Benefit from 20% Health Time

Increased Productivity

Healthy employees work more efficiently and make fewer errors.

Reduced Absenteeism

Preventive care lowers sick days and health-related disruptions.

 

Lower Healthcare Costs

Early detection and healthier habits reduce long-term medical expenses.

 

Stronger Employer Brand

Wellbeing-focused policies attract and retain top talent.

 

Sustainable Performance

Health Time supports long-term performance rather than short-term output.

 

Activities That Fit into 20% Health Time

Organisations can tailor activities based on workforce needs:

  • guided fitness or yoga sessions
     

  • walking or movement breaks
     

  • mental health workshops
     

  • preventive health checkups
     

  • nutrition education
     

  • stress and sleep management programs
     

Flexibility ensures inclusivity across roles and work models.

 

Evidence Supporting Health Time Initiatives

Workplace health research consistently shows that:

  • preventive health improves productivity
     

  • employee wellbeing programs reduce burnout
     

  • time invested in health yields measurable returns
     

According to WHO and workplace wellness studies, integrated health initiatives deliver better outcomes than standalone benefits.

 

Addressing Common Concerns

“Will this reduce working hours?”

No. Health Time improves efficiency, offsetting time spent through better performance.

 

“Is it suitable for high-pressure roles?”

Yes. High-stress roles benefit the most from structured recovery time.

 

“How do we measure impact?”

Metrics may include:

  • reduced absenteeism
     

  • improved engagement scores
     

  • lower healthcare claims
     

  • better retention
     

 

Implementing 20% Health Time Effectively

Successful implementation requires:

  • leadership support
     

  • clear guidelines
     

  • flexible scheduling
     

  • inclusive activity options
     

  • regular feedback
     

Health Time works best when seen as a cultural shift, not a perk.

 

Long-Term Impact on Organisational Health

Over time, organisations adopting Health Time observe:

  • healthier workforce
     

  • improved morale
     

  • reduced burnout
     

  • stronger team cohesion
     

  • sustainable growth
     

These benefits compound year after year.

 

Conclusion

20% Health Time represents a progressive shift in how organisations view employee wellbeing. By dedicating work time to health, companies acknowledge that productivity and wellbeing are deeply connected. Rather than reacting to burnout and illness, Health Time promotes prevention, balance and resilience. In a future where talent, performance and sustainability matter more than ever, integrating health into the workday is not a luxury—it is a strategic necessity.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion Guidelines

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Work Health Reports

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workforce Wellbeing Strateg

  •  Lancet – Workplace Wellness and Productivity Studies

  • Harvard Business Review – Employee Wellbeing and Performance Research

  • Statista – Corporate Wellness Trends and ROI Data

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