Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a disease of hand and wrist. Carpal tunnel is produced by the tissues and bones of the wrist. Median nerve is protected by this tunnel. Thumb, and ring, middle, index fingers get feeling through median nerve. Other tissues such as tendons and ligaments can be inflamed and got swollen.

People who are carpenters, meat packers, use computers, mechanics, and assembly like workers can be affected by this disorder. It is commonly found in women and affected about 10% of population. It is caused by diabetes, thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis disease and injuries such as fracture in the wrist and hand. Pregnant female are often affected by this disease.

Signs and symptoms:

• Pain radiating from wrist to shoulder and front side of your forearm is mostly affected.
• Weakness in the affected area.
• Numbness in the affected area and tingling in fingers, thumb and hand.
• When a patient drive a vehicle and hold anything, numbness like sensation may be occurred.

Causes:

Pressure on the median nerve is the main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Sensation is giving to the index finger, ring finger, middle finger and thumb by the median nerve. Pressure can be increased by repetitive flexing and injury. Thyroid, diabetes and menopause fluid retention are also developed this disease. Generalized nerve problem are other cause of the carpal tunnel syndrome.

Diagnosis:

Diagnoses depend on signs and symptoms of this disease. Electromyography and nerve condition study will be recommended by the health care providers. Small electrical discharges in muscles may be measured by Electromyography. Doctor wants to study by inserted thin-needle electrode into the affected area. Sometimes a shock is transmitted into median nerve to diagnose the disease.

Treatment:

In case of mild symptoms of the disease, you can apply cold packs on the affected area to reduce the swelling and pain. Medications, wrist splinting and surgery are also effective treatment to reduce the pain.

Wrist splinting: numbness and tingling can be reducing by wrist splinting on your wrist. It is effective in case of mild symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids such as cortisone may help to relieve your pain. It can decrease pain, inflammation and swelling. Oral corticosteroids are not preferred by the doctor.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: These drugs are very effective and safe to reduce the inflammation.

Surgery:

If a patient have mild symptoms, nonsurgical treatments are good. But in case of severe symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery may be good and effective option preferred by the doctor.

Prevention:

• You should reduce your force to perform any activities.
• You should avoid bending your wrist.
• You should avoid cold environment and keep the affected area warm.
• You should improve your posture; incorrect posture can affect the fingers, wrists and hands.
• You should avoid sleeping on the hand and wearing wrist splint before going to the bed.