What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

by admin | August 16, 2017 5:43 am

Carpel tunnel syndrome occurs

• Occurs when the median nerve is compressed.
• Median nerve is located on the palm side of your hand.
• This nerve provides sensation to the hand.
• When affected, blood circulation to fingers gets cut off.
• Can occur in one or both of your hands.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Diabetes
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Fluid retention from pregnancy or menopause
• High blood pressure
• Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Fractures or trauma[1] to the wrist

Who are at risk for this ailment?

• Those who suffer from certain medical conditions like
* diabetes
* high blood pressure
* arthritis
• Those who have jobs that employ repetitive wrist movement

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Numbness, tingling, and pain in thumb
• Pain in first three fingers of your hand
• Pain and burning that travels up your arm
• Wrist pain at night that interferes with sleep
• Weakness in the muscles of the hand

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• History of the patient including lifestyle
• Physical examination(to check for causes of nerve pressure)
• Nerve conduction studies(measures conduction speed of nerve impulses)

Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (non surgical options)

• Avoiding positions that overextend your wrist
• Wrist splints that hold your hand in a neutral position
• Mild pain medication
• Medication to reduce inflammation
• Treatment of any underlying conditions like diabetes or arthritis
• Steroid injections into your carpal tunnel area to reduce inflammation

When is surgery required for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

• When there is severe damage to the median nerve.
• Minimally invasive surgery will be considered
• Surgery options depend on:-
* age of patient
* length of symptoms
* severity of symptoms
* other medical conditions

Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Avoid activities that overextends your wrists
• Pay attention to your posture
• Address any underlying medical conditions
• Relax hand between activities
• Physiotherapy

 

 

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801

Source URL: https://kauveryhospital.com/blog/orthopedics/what-is-carpal-tunnel-syndrome/

---