Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, also known as median nerve syndrome, is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is more common in women than in men and mostly in people aged 40-70 years. It also affects more people who spend long hours typing on a computer. The syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed due to various factors. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including pain, numbness and weakness in the hand and wrist.
The causes of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by a number of factors, including:
• Repetitive movements: Performing the same movement over and over again, such as typing or playing a musical instrument, can strain the wrist and contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.
•Chronic manual work
•Injury: An injury to the wrist, such as a fracture or dislocation, can lead to swelling and compression of the median nerve.
•Heredity: Some people may be more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome because of an inherited anatomical trait that makes their carpal tunnel smaller than usual.
•Pathology: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism, may increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
•Hormonal disorders, e.g. in pregnancy or after menopause
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
The symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome can vary in number, intensity, severity and duration from patient to patient and may appear and subside over time.
Some of the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
•Tingling or numbness: One of the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is the feeling of tingling or numbness in the fingers or hand. This sensation can be particularly intense in the thumb, index and middle finger.
•Pain or discomfort: Carpal tunnel syndrome may cause pain or discomfort in the hand and wrist, which may radiate up the arm. This pain may be mild or severe and may occur intermittently or persist.
• Weakness: In some cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause weakness in the hand or difficulty holding objects. This may be due to compression of the median nerve, which affects the muscles of the hand.
• Reduced sensation: As carpal tunnel syndrome progresses, it can cause decreased sensation in the fingers or hand. This can make it difficult to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing or typing.
Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome report that their symptoms worsen during the night, which can interfere with sleep and make it difficult to perform daily activities.
We document the existence and severity of carpal tunnel syndrome with a special electromyographic test of the upper limbs recommended by the orthopedic surgeon.
Methods of treatment
The treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of the condition.
The most common ways of treatment are:
•Rest from repetitive activities, that may cause or worsen carpal tunnel syndrome, can help reduce symptoms.
•The use of a wrist splint can help immobilize the wrist and relieve pressure on the median nerve.
• Medication: Specific painkillers can help reduce pain and inflammation.
•Corticosteroid injections into the wrist can help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
• Surgery: in severe cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Surgery may be performed by various methods, such as open surgery, endoscopic surgery or microsurgery. In each case, the surgeon's goal is to create more space to release the median nerve.
Ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome
As prevention is the best treatment, there are many ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from occurring. Taking frequent breaks during repetitive activities and stretching the arms and wrists, maintaining good posture when using a computer or other device to avoid unnecessary strain on the wrists, using ergonomic equipment such as a keyboard or mouse, designed to reduce strain on the wrists, keeping the wrists in a straight position and avoiding extreme bending or stretching during activities can be valuable allies in the effort to avoid unpleasant symptoms.
By taking steps to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and seeking immediate treatment when symptoms occur, patients can manage their symptoms and maintain hand and wrist health.
To learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome, contact us at +30211 – 4057040, +306949196061 or orthopedikos-papagiannopoulos.gr and make an appointment.
