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Applied Science Level 3 Unit 8 Physiology of Human Body Systems
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Applied Science Level 3 Unit 8 Physiology of Human Body Systems
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Unit 8: Physiology of human body systemP2 Describe the effect of disorders of the muscles and joints and their
treatments
Like any other organic system in our body the musculoskeletal system plays a major role in keeping
us alive and safe, and just like any other organ it is sometimes affected by disorders and diseases.
Here I’m going to discuss some disorders of the musculoskeletal system and hot to prevent or treat
them.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes numbness, pain and tingling in the hand
and the arm. This condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand (median nerve) is
squeezed or compressed. The median controls the movement and feelings of all our fingers except
the pinky. Swelling inside your hand causes the compression in carpal tunnel syndrome. That is what
leads to the weakness or numbing on the side of our hands near the thumb. This condition affects
people of all ages but its more common in people over 50.
The median nerve is very sensitive to pressure, most of times ppl don’t know the cause for this issue,
but it can be due to:
Repetitive movement, like typing, playing instrumental music (piano). Especially this
becomes true if your hands are lower than your wrists.
Hypothyroidism
Obesity
Rheumatoid arthritis
Heredity
Pregnancy
And diabetes
Symptoms
Numbness, tingling and pain primarily in the thumb and index, and sometimes the pain
travels up the forearm toward the shoulders
Occasional shock like sensation that radiate to the thumb and index
Weakness and clumsiness in the hand.
, Also night time symptoms are very common. That’s because many people sleep with their wrists
bent.
As carpel tunnel syndrome gets worse you may have less grip strength because the muscles in your
hands shrink
Treatment
This condition can be treated naturally by doing some
Lifestyle changes, this means stopping or taking a break from activities that require repetitive motion
and causes you pain.
Exercising, this means doing more stretching or strengthen moves that can make you feel better. If
they don’t go naturally, doctors may do some nonsurgical treatments like
Bracing or splinting
this treatment requires you to wear a brace or splint (mostly at night) to keep you from bending
your wrist while sleeping or doing activities. Keeping your wrist in a straight position reduces
pressure on the median nerve.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Here medications such us ibuprofen and naproxen can help in relieving pain and inflammation.
Steroid injections
Corticosteroid is a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine that is injected into the carpal tunnel. Even
though they do relieve pain and inflammation their effect is temporary.
But none if the above treatments work then the best treatment is
Surgical treatment
The surgical procedure for this condition is called a carpal tunnel release. There are two different
surgical techniques for doing this, but both of them relieve pressure on the median nerve by cutting
the ligament that forms the roof of the tunnel. By doing this you increase the size of the tunnel and
decrease the pressure on the nerve.
The two types of this surgery are
Open carpal tunnel release
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