All want to stay free from diseases. So, maximum people are worried about heart problems, diabetes, blood pressure, fever, influenza, common viral diseases. Lot of people do not think about their hands by which they do all works. Sometimes, people feel finger numbness or wrist, fingers and hand pain and weakness progressively. It may be for a clinical condition called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome /CTS.
We've 8 small bones in wrist, called carpal bones. There is a ligament lying across the front of the wrist. So, between this, a space is formed called carpal tunnel. Few tendons (attach the forearm muscles to the fingers) and the median nerve (main nerve to the hand) pass through the space. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when this space's reduced and compress/ increase pressure on the median nerve.
What are the Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Compression of the median nerve is main reason of carpal tunnel syndrome. For any condition that increase pressure on median nerve leads to carpal tunnel syndrome. But, most cases reasons are unknown. Performing repetitive motions of the hand and wrist can cause this. Typing on a computer keyboard may be the most common cause (according to specialists). Playing video games for long time, sewing, driving, writing, use of hand tools or tools that vibrate etc are other reasons.
There are some medical problems that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, e.g- genetic factor, bone fracture and arthritis of the wrist, acromegaly, diabetes, obesity, oral contraceptives, alcoholism, an under active thyroid, the menopause, kidney failure, dialysis etc.
Age of patients : Above 30 years (common),women suffer more than men.
What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Tingling or burning of fingers (The index and middle fingers are usually first to be affected) and hand
- Numbness of the hand and the same finger(s) and in part of the palm of the hand
- Pain in the same fingers, hand, wrist, sometimes extending to the elbow
- Dryness of the skin
- Weakness of some muscles in the fingers
- Hand Weakness
- Problems with fine finger movements
- Weak hand grip etc.
How can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome be Diagnosed?
- Tinel's sign- tapping on the nerve or simply pressing on the median nerve cause pain to shoot from the wrist to the hand.
- History of symptom
- Tests- Electromyography, X-ray, Nerve conduction study.
Note- Nerve conduction study- Few people are afraid about this test. They think,they've to give blood or they've to face serious condition or risk their life. But, no need to worry. It's a very simple test. This is done by giving electrical shocks in arm which is less painful.
How can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome be Treated (Treatment)?
- Try to reduce over-use of wrist by excessive squeezing, gripping, wringing etc.
- Decrease weight.
- Using wrist splint at night for few weeks.
- Modification of work place and tools that patient uses.
- In case of other medical condition (listed above), treatment of that condition
- During pregnancy, a nonsurgical treatment is advised. Using splint is common. Symptoms commonly go after the baby is born. If symptoms persist, treatment must be continue.
- Nonsurgical therapy- Ultra-sound treatment, Physiotherapy etc.
- Surgery- Carpal tunnel release surgery.
What is the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prognosis?
Surgery's successful most of the time. But it's depend on severity. Patients should come to doctor at early stage. For early stage non-surgical therapy can cure it.
What are the Complications of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
If carpal tunnel syndrome left untreated, it causes permanent finger and hand weakness, numbness, and tingling, even the nerve can be damaged.
What is the way of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prevention (for every person)?
- Give rest to hands from long time activity e.g- typing computer keyboard, playing video games.
- Stop using vibrating tools.
- Keeping hands warm.
- Avoid bending wrist all the way up or down.
- Improving posture.
- Modification of work place and hand tools.
I hope, you'll follow the preventive measures and be safe. But, if you think, you've any symptom of Carpal tunnel syndrome, please go to a specialist doctor (Neurologists/Physiotherapists).
