A Comprehensive Guide To Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The main symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is pain, comes from the compression of the median nerve in the carpal canal.
The symptoms of this syndrome are thought to be the result of compression (squash) of the median nerve in the carpal canal. Carpal tunnel syndrome is most common among:
- Women in their late fifties are particularly vulnerable.
- Men and women in their late 70s are both affected.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is more common among obese people and runs in families. Pregnant women are more likely to suffer from it.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Most of the time, it’s not known why this happens. It is believed that an increase in the pressure through the carpal canal squashes (compresses) and limits the blood supply to the median nerve. The symptoms are caused by the impairment of the function of the median nerve.
Potential risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- It seems that there is a genetic (inherited) factor. If you have a close relative with carpal tunnel syndrome (father, mother, or brother/sister), your risk is increased.
- Activities that require repetitive wrist/hand movements, including:
- Work that requires repetitive or forceful hand gripping/exertion, such as gardening, assembly-line work, and other occupations.
- Vibrating hand tools are used.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome may be linked to computer use, but this link is not proven.
- Obesity.
- Pregnancy.
- Osteoarthritis at the joint of the thumb’s base (metacarpophalangeal joints). This is caused by the compression of the medial nerve by bony lumps.
- Inflammatory joint diseases, such as arthritis and rheumatoid.
- Ganglion Cysts, tumors, scar tissue
- Hypothyroidism.
- Diabetes mellitus.
What Symptoms Are Associated With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Pins & Needles: This is numbness or tingling that may be present in the entire shaded area or only a part of it (see the above diagram). Usually, this is the first symptom. Usually, the index and middle fingers are affected first.
- Pain can then develop in the same finger. The pain can travel up to the forearm and sometimes even the shoulder.
- Numbness may occur in the same finger or part of the hand if the condition worsens.
- The same finger may experience dry skin.
- Severe cases may result in Weakness in some muscles of the fingers or thumb. This can lead to a poor grip and, ultimately, muscle loss at the base of the thumb.
The symptoms tend to appear and disappear at first, usually after you have used your hand. The symptoms tend to be worse at night and can wake you up.
You can temporarily ease the symptoms by hanging your hand down or raising it up. The hand and wrist can also be flubbed to relieve symptoms. If the condition is severe, the symptoms may persist for a long time. If you’re seeking expert care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, South Valley Neurology offers a range of specialized treatments and personalized solutions to alleviate your symptoms.
What Is The Treatment For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Up to one-third of cases go away without treatment in six months. The symptoms are more likely to disappear in young people.
General Measures
Avoid overusing your wrists by excessive gripping, wringing, or squeezing. Losing weight can help if you are overweight. You may be prescribed painkillers to relieve the discomfort. Treatment of the more general medical condition that is causing this condition, such as arthritis, may be helpful.
A Wrist Splint
As a first treatment, a removable wrist brace (splint) is usually recommended. The splint’s purpose is to maintain the wrist in a neutral position without applying force to the carpal canal to rest the nerve. If used for a couple of weeks, this may help to cure the problem. It is not uncommon to only wear the splint at night to relieve symptoms.
A Steroid Injection
A steroid injection into the carpal canal or close to it is one option. In one research study, a single injection of steroids eased symptoms for about three out of four cases. Some people experienced symptoms returning over the next year in this study. Some studies have reported varying success rates for steroid injections.
Surgery For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Although surgery is recommended in severe cases, the jury is still divided on whether injections are better for mild symptoms. This question is being answered by a large-scale trial.
This can be done by a small operation to relieve the pressure on the nerves in the carpal canal. It usually fixes the problem. This is done with local anesthesia. Open and keyhole surgery are the two major types of surgeries. Your surgeon will determine the best technique for you.
Other Treatments
Over the years, many other treatments have been tried. Exercises, laser therapy, laser-controlled cold therapy, or controlled ice therapy are all examples. These treatments are not recommended because they lack good research to back them up. They can, however, work for some people. Some evidence suggests that acupuncture can relieve symptoms in some people.
In some cases, steroid tablets can ease symptoms. There is a risk of side effects if you take steroid tablets for a long time. A local injection of steroids (described in the previous paragraph) is also likely to be more effective. Steroid tablets are, therefore, not recommended.