ABOUT THE DISEASE
The carpal tunnel is a narrow canal at the base of the palm through which the nine flexor tendons to the fingers and thumb, and the median nerve pass. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which pressure builds up on the median nerve -- the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. This leads to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers sp. thumb, index and long fingers.
SYMPTOMS
- • Numbness or tingling in hands / fingers
- • Weakening of grip
- • Pain in elbow / wrist or hand
CAUSES
There are various factors as below which can cause CTS :
- Repetitive use of the fingers and hands e.g using the computer / typing
- Inflammation and swelling in the tendons
- Fluid retention mostly during pregnancy
- Wrist fracture and dislocation
- Degenerative / rheumatoid arthritis
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- Tumor
DIAGNOSIS
- Physical examination
- Wrist X–ray
- Electromyography
- Nerve Conduction Velocity
TREATMENT METHODS
Treatment starts with workplace modifications and wearing splints during night. Medications include anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Corticosteroid injections, etc.
However in severe cases a surgery might be required:
Carpal Tunnel Decompression/Release –The goal of surgery is to decrease pressure on the nerve by enlarging the carpal canal.
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