So, what is carpal tunnel syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common hand and wrist condition that can cause pain, numbness, and tingling. This occurs when the median nerve, which travels from the forearm, goes through the arm and also right into the palm becoming pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Wrist anatomy The top of the wrist is designed to provide an exit for that movement, and the bones just beneath this spot are a wide slot through which all of your finger tendons must pass as they travel down into your hand. This tunnel is where the median nerve can be compressed to cause symptoms of CTS.
Typing on a computer keyboard, using vibrating tools like drills or chainsaws, and assembly line work that requires repetitive wrist motions can cause carpal tunnel syndrome with a fixed grip. Additional causes might be wrist anatomy, medical issues like diabetes or arthritis, or hormonal changes such as pregnancy.
Symptoms Of CTS usually begin gradually and include numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. wrist and hand pain. Those with CTS usually get wrist pain or related aching in the hand, worsened by activities including bending of the wrist, such as driving a vehicle or holding a telephone.
Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome generally involves a physical examination and may include nerve conduction studies to measure the natural electrical activity in the median nerve. Timely diagnosis is necessary to intervene and prevent additional nerve deterioration and reduce pain.
When it comes to CTS, generally conservative treatments up to surgical interventions are applied based on the severity of the condition. Early in its course, you may be able to relieve the symptoms of CTS by wearing wrist splints to keep your wrist from flexing while you sleep; altering activities so there is less stress on your wrist; and doing stretching exercises. They can also use NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation and reduce symptoms.
When more aggressive treatment is needed and CTS becomes advanced, surgery may be required! In carpal tunnel release surgery, a surgeon cuts through the ligament that forms the top of the carpal tunnel to make space in it so there is less pressure on the median nerve. This is typically an outpatient procedure and is very good at controlling the symptoms and restoring hand function.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is best prevented by taking steps to minimize stress and strain on the wrist and hands. Applying ergonomic interventions in the workplace, breaking up repetitive tasks with breaks, and performing wrist stretching exercises may lessen the chances of developing CTS. It provides prevention by leading a healthy lifestyle in general, keeping other comorbidities under good control, and avoiding overacting of the wrist.
Finally, we can say that carpal tunnel syndrome is very painful and it affects normal activities but if it is diagnosed in time and receives proper treatment one can get away from this disease. Treatment of CTS with either conservative measures or surgical treatment can dramatically improve hand function and quality of life in individuals suffering from it. If you are having any symptoms that could be due to CTS, it is important to see a healthcare provider who can perform a proper evaluation and provide treatment recommendations that are specific to your hand pain.
