Carpal tunnel syndrome is a pinched nerve that occurs in the wrist and affects the fingers of the hand. It is a progressive disease when left untreated. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome; It can manifest itself with numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that should be treated as soon as it is diagnosed.
It is defined as a nerve passing through the wrist, called the median nerve, going to the thumb, index finger and middle finger and being crushed by the connective tissue in the wrist. The median nerve is supplied by the palm branch. These are the convergent nerves that bend the wrist.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve extends from the wrist to the hands through a passage called the carpal tunnel, which opens from the arms to the palm of the hand. This nerve is responsible for feeling the palm side of all fingers except the smallest finger. Along with sensation, it provides the nerve signals needed for the muscles around the thumb to move.
It has been observed that working environment conditions can also contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. It is frequently seen in housewives who do manual labor, people who do work using their hands, construction workers or individuals who use asphalt crusher tools. These people constantly have a load on their hands and therefore the band on the wrist thickens. The thickening of this band causes the underlying nerve to be crushed. It is also frequently seen in people with low thyroid and pregnant women.
What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually develop gradually. The most important symptom of this syndrome is that the person wakes up at night from pain and numbness and feels the need to shake his hand. In such cases, the person should consult a specialist. Other symptoms of this syndrome are as follows;
- Hand numbness
- Tingling
- Pain and aching in the palm of the hand and towards the fingers
Symptoms of this syndrome are usually seen when holding objects such as newspapers, books, telephones or steering wheels. If these symptoms interfere with normal daily life or sleep patterns, a specialist should be consulted. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve and muscle damage in the hands.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed by physical examination. The EMG test may not always be instructive. The diagnosis is made according to the patient's history and physical examination rather than the tests. As a result of this diagnosis, the necessary treatment is planned and applied to the patient.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment?
The disease is evaluated in three periods as initial, middle and advanced stages. In the initial period, people are given medication and wrist splint. If this treatment is not sufficient, physical therapy may be recommended to patients. Along with physical therapy, cortisone injections can be given through the wrist under expert control. However, the only permanent treatment is surgery.
Carpal tunnel surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes 15 minutes. This procedure is performed through a very small incision in the wrist and patients are discharged on the same day.