Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. This nerve passes through a narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, which is made up of bones and ligaments. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (except the little finger) and impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move.

Causes

Repetitive Motions

Activities that involve repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as typing, assembly line work, or using vibrating hand tools, can contribute to the development of CTS.

Anatomy

Some people have a smaller carpal tunnel, which makes them more susceptible to the condition.

Medical Conditions

Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or hypothyroidism can increase the risk of developing CTS.

Fluid Retention

Conditions that cause fluid retention, such as pregnancy, can increase pressure within the carpal tunnel, irritating the median nerve.

Symptoms

– Numbness or Tingling: You may experience numbness, tingling, or burning in your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. This sensation may extend up the arm.

– Weakness: You may find it difficult to grasp objects, make a fist, or perform precise movements.
– Pain: The pain is often worse at night and can wake you up from sleep.

Diagnosis

CTS is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms, physical examination, and sometimes, nerve conduction studies or

electromyography (EMG) to measure the electrical activity of muscles and the speed of nerve signals.

Treatment

Non-Surgical:
– Wrist Splinting: Wearing a wrist splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position can reduce pressure on the median nerve.
– Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may help relieve pain and inflammation.
– Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel can reduce inflammation and swelling, providing temporary relief.
– Activity Modifications: Modifying hand and wrist activities to avoid aggravating symptoms can be helpful.

Surgical:
– Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: This is a common procedure where the ligament pressing on the median nerve is cut to relieve pressure. The surgery can be performed as an open surgery or an endoscopic surgery, which is less invasive.

Prevention

– Ergonomics: Ensure that your work environment is ergonomically sound. Adjust your work setup to avoid prolonged flexing of the wrist, and take frequent breaks to stretch your hands and wrists.

– Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises for the hands and wrists can help reduce the risk of developing CTS.

If left untreated, CTS can lead to permanent nerve damage and muscle atrophy, so it’s important to seek treatment if you experience symptoms.

ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΗΣΤΕ ΜΕ ΤΟ ΓΙΑΤΡΟ

ΚΛΕΙΣΕ ΤΟ ΡΑΝΤΕΒΟΥ ΣΟΥ