carpal tunnel syndrome causes Archives

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and How to Prevent…

November 21, 2022November 16, 2023
by Eva Hospital

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the many conditions that can affect a person’s body movement because a nerve in their body is getting pinched. In this guide, we will understand what exactly happens to a person suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel is an opening in your wrist formed by the carpal bones on the bottom of the wrist and the transverse carpal ligament across the top of the wrist.

The syndrome is also known as median nerve compression because this condition occurs due to pressure of the median nerve where it passed through the carpel tunnel. The median nerve — which runs from your wrist to your hand— provides sensation to your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. When it gets affected due to carpal tunnel syndrome, the condition can manifest itself in the form of numbness (more prominent during the night), tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm. The condition also slows your nerve impulses and reduces coordination in your movement, especially the ability to use your thumb to pinch.

The very makeup of the wrist, repetitive movement, and underlying health issues can further aggravate the symptoms. Underlying conditions that can cause the syndrome include hypothyroidism, diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy. Fractures and dislocation of the wrist can also cause the condition.

If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can result in permanent nerve damage. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be made worse if the wrist is overextended repeatedly.

How is it diagnosed?

To determine the exact cause of the pain, your doctor will have to examine you to rule out the possibility of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed by examining your medical history, a physical examination, and conducting imaging tests (like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRI), electromyogram, and nerve conduction studies.

Risk factors

People with jobs that require repetitive wrist movement are at a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Such jobs include manufacturing, assembly line work, typing, computer workers, construction work, etc.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60.
Women are three times more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome than men.
Smoking, high salt intake, a sedentary lifestyle, and a high body mass index make a person more prone to developing this condition.

Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment

In the early stages, merely shaking the hands helps relieve symptoms. While mild cases can be treated with a combination of rest, oral medication, steroids, and exercises, surgery may be required in extreme cases.

If surgery is recommended by your doctor, an incision in the transverse carpal ligament will be made to increase the size of the tunnel. This way, your doctor will be able to decrease the pressure on the nerves and tendons that pass through the space. It may take between 24 to 72 hours to recover after the surgery.

Preventive tips

Put your hands and wrists in the right position when working.
Take breaks.
Keep your wrists straight.
Use a splint or brace for your wrist.
Avoid flexing and extending your wrists repeatedly.
Keep your hands warm.
Include wrist-strengthening exercises in your workout routine.

Eva Hospital

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, How to Deal with…

August 29, 2021March 29, 2024
by Eva Hospital

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) affects patients who have been physically extremely active in hand movements over a period of time.

CTS occurs due to the prolonged compression of the median nerve of the hands that lie in the carpal tunnel. It is responsible for controlling and aiding the movement of our thumbs and fingers.

Orthopedic surgeons and Rheumatologists are specialists in dealing with patients who are diagnosed with CTS.

CTS happens over time and may increase in its symptoms in advanced stages. The main median nerve is compressed due to continuous pressure at the carpal tunnel and affects the ability of the nerve for regular functioning.

Signs That You May Have CTS

Here are some of the signs of CTS, you can always visit Eva Hospital for a proper prognosis,

The sensation of tingling in the fingers.
Noticeable swelling of the fingers.
Muscle weakness affecting the utility of your hands.
Pain in your arms.

If you have any of the following symptoms and if it has been persistent over a while, a quick consultation with a doctor must be made. There is an estimation by the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (NCBI) that 4% to 5% of adults are prone to CTS globally.

CTS Diagnosis

CTS diagnosis is made through various physical exams. The patients in their first visit are examined physically, asked to move their wrists (Phalen test) in various angles, gentle tapping (Tinel’s Test) to find the extent of damage to the nerve.

Doctors also may ask for other exercises requiring elevation of the hands. Other tests include Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound.

Treating CTS

Eva hospital is well equipped to deal with the treatment of CTS. You will first be examined by Dr. Tanveer Bhutani and his team, followed by the diagnosis and line of treatment. CTS can be treated in surgical and non-surgical ways.

Non-surgical methods are used when the patient is not at risk of an advanced stage.

Non-surgical methods include,

Physiotherapy
Having a higher fluid intake in your body
Prescribed medications
Using a splint to prevent further damage

The surgical method includes an incision made after sedating the patient. The process involves cutting the ligament to decrease the pressure on the median nerve.

Two common surgical methods include:

Open release surgery – involves a small cut to the wrists to reach the carpal ligament

Endoscopic surgery – under complex circumstances a deep cut is made and a camera inserted to observe the extent of damage of the nerve, finally cutting the carpal ligament.

If you are not at grave risk and the pain that you feel is bearable, it is advised to rest and refrain from physical activity. Resting at home and allowing the splint to do its work over time will help repair muscles.

The symptoms take several years to develop and if you have been working specifically that involves continuous activity of your writs, fingers, and hands over some time and there are signs and discomfort, one needs to consult the doctor.

At Eva, we take due care of all the patients and ensure that they are at ease and receive the best medical care.

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carpal tunnel syndrome causes