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What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or (CTS)?

 

Several tendons and the median nerve spread from the forearm to the hand through a narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel, which protects this main nerve of the hand. The carpal tunnel is bound by bones on one side and on the palmar side by the transverse carpal ligament located in the wrist region. The median nerve controls most movement and the feeling of the thumb and first three fingers.

Pressure on the median nerve by either swelling or any other factor that narrows the carpal tunnel (pinched nerve) leads to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), resulting in tingling, weakness or numbness in fingers or wrists.

The development of carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by:

• Diabetes

• Prolonged repetitive hand and/ or wrist movements

• Hypothyroidism

• Pregnancy

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Inflammatory processes in the region of hand and wrist (rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis)

• Inflammation of the tendons

• Degenerative changes of the ligaments

• Computer mouse use is a contributor

• Accidents of any kind where there was trauma to the wrist or hand

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

 

Wrist pain, numbness, and tingling are the main features, which cause patients to seek medical consultation. CTS occurs gradually with transient, intermittent numbness and tingling sensation of the thumb or three first fingers. This sensation leads to discomfort in the wrist and hand. The weakness of the hand is also experienced, a similar sensation to “pins-and-needles” – shaking or moving your fingers may help in the initial stages of CTS. Carpal tunnel syndrome commonly occurs in the dominant hand. Women are also more likely to develop CTS.

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis

 

Should the above signs and symptoms begin, it may indicate CTS. Should you experience any of the above discomforts, particularly if it interferes with daily activities, it is important to seek consultation. Avoiding or not treating CTS, could lead to permanent nerve and muscle damage – muscles of the thumb can waste away (atrophy).

A carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis is based on typical complaints and a history of the disease. Patients are given a thorough examination conducted by a neurologist as well as an orthopedist. When indicated, additional visual methods (radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging), functional (electromyography), and nerve conduction study diagnostics may be applied. Laboratory tests help professionals determine the presence of inflammatory processes, all of which contribute to analyzing the development of the disease and formulating an optimum treatment approach.

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

 

Proper treatment can relieve the unpleasant sensations of CTS, and restore the hand and wrist function. Physician conduct integrated treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, including:

• Determining And managing the factors which influenced the development of CTS (initial stages)

• Physiotherapy – carpal tunnel syndrome exercises

• Fixation of the wrist, bracing (usually overnight)

• Drug treatment of systemic diseases that cause the development of carpal tunnel syndrome

• Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs

• Steroid injections into the carpal tunnel, which has a prolonged action effectively reducing inflammatory swelling of soft tissue. This in turn substantially relieves pressure on the median nerve