The Emotional Effects Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Can Be More Harmful!
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist. It is an especially painful condition that affects approximately three percent of all adults in the United States.
People who work with their hands are the most at risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This includes artists, musicians, some construction workers, and those who use a computer for extended periods of time.
How does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Affect Someone Emotionally?
Though not part of a normal description of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, this crippling disorder has many emotional effects as well. Because of this disorder, many strong emotions may come up that one is not prepared to deal with. It is important to familiarize yourself with the common emotional upheavals so you can be prepared to deal with them.
Emotions associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may include:
- Feelings of uselessness. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can make it too painful to do anything, including cooking and normal household chores. This leads to feelings of uselessness, and the belief that one cannot make it on their own with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, especially if they live alone. To overcome this feeling, focus on the many things you still can do and learn to make adaptations to complete normal tasks that are painful.
- Anxiety and fear of the future. Similar to feelings of uselessness, anxiety stems from not being able to perform everyday tasks. People with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are worried about the future, and what is going to happen to them if they are unable to take care of themselves. To get over these fears, it is important to stay in the present moment. The anxiety will pass, but it will also never come up if you are not projecting.
- Loss of enjoyment in fun activities. When you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, you may no longer enjoy activities that are fun to you because of your pain. Your future may seem bleak. It is important to concentrate on the fact that you can still have fun and look for activities that will not make your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome worse.
- Serious depression. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be so debilitating that one loses interest in life entirely. It is important to focus on the good things in life. If you are severely depressed, contact a psychiatrist for help.
What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are varied. They can be felt not only when the hand is in use, but also when it is resting. The pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome increases gradually over time, and usually must occur for a minimum of 10 weeks. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the wrist and hand
- Numbness in the fingers
- Tingling of the fingers
- A sense of weakness
- The tendency to drop things
- Loss of feeling coolness or heat in the hand or wrist
- Feeling of swollen hands even though there is no visible swelling
So, as you can see, there are several emotional side effects to this disease. Don’t let it get you down. Get help, and don’t forget that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome doesn’t always last forever. Early recognition and proper treatment is important to treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.