The compression of the medial nerve in the wrist is the root cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. It is possible for the hand and fingers to experience discomfort, tingling, or numbness as a result of this condition. Entrapment of the median nerve is another name for complex regional pain syndrome (CTS). When the carpal becomes swollen, this may occur. If you are suffering symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, you should get medical attention from a recognized neurology facility such as South Valley Neurology.
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Symptoms
CTS symptoms usually develop slowly over time. The onset of symptoms may occur in the evening or upon awakening in the morning. Some individuals may awaken with the desire to “shake their hands.” They may be woken up repeatedly by the discomfort.
Three main symptoms of CTS include:
- Pain
- Numbness
- tingling
Affected are the thumb, two adjacent fingers, and the half of the ring-finger. The symptoms can spread to other parts of the hand, or even the forearm.
Causes
The carpal canal is also called the carpal tunnel. It is a narrow and rigid passageway made up of ligaments and bones at the base of the hand. In the carpal canal are also the median nerve and tendons.
Sometimes the carpal tunnel narrows because of tendons that become inflamed and irritated or because another swelling places pressure on the median nervous.
The median nerve controls sensations in the palm, thumb, and three other fingers. The median nerve also controls the muscle that moves the thumb to the side of the palm and touches the little finger. The little finger is not controlled by it.
This nerve is responsible for wrist and hand pain, paralysis, and weakness. Additionally, the discomfort may radiate into the arm or shoulder.
CTS can occur for numerous reasons. CTS occurs more frequently in individuals who make severe wrist movements, experience vibrations, or repeatedly use their hands, such as when typing.
The following are some of the most common causes of CTS:
- Repetitive maneuvers
- Vibrating hand tools should not be used repeatedly
- Edema, or fluid accumulation, can cause pregnancy.
- RA, inflammatory arthritis, and degenerative arthritis
- Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid
- diabetes
- Physical trauma, such as a dislocation or break in the wrist
- Lesions on the wrist
- A tumor or cyst can occur in the carpal canal
- Overactive pituitary gland
- Any swelling or inflammation in the tendons
Treatment
The carpal tunnel syndrome treatment aims to reduce symptoms and slow down the progression of CTS through a reduction in pressure on the median nervous.
Many people with mild symptoms find their condition improves on its own within a few weeks, especially if the repetitive movements which may have caused CTS are reduced.
Self Help Tips
You can reduce discomfort by:
- Resting Your Hand And Wrists: As you rest your hand and wrist, the more likely it is that the symptoms will be relieved.
- Cold Compresses Can Be Applied: An ice pack placed on the wrist during an outbreak may help. A person should not put ice directly on the skin.
- Managing Triggers: CTS can be caused by repetitive hand movements. A person should take breaks to allow the wrist and hand to recover and rest.
- Use Occupational Therapy: The therapist can show a patient how to perform repetitive tasks in a different way.
Diagnosis
- Tinel’s Test Or Tinel’s Sign: A doctor lightly taps on the median nerve in the wrist to determine if the patient feels numbness, tingling, or pain.
- Phalen’s Test To Determine Wrist Flexion: The person bends the wrist by pressing the backs of their hands together. If you experience tingling, numbness, or pain within one minute of the onset of symptoms, it may be due to damage to your median nerve.
- Nerve Conduction Studies: Electrodes placed on the wrist and hand. The test involves applying small electric shocks. Tests measure how quickly nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles.
- Electromyography: Fine needle is inserted into the muscle. A screen shows electrical activity that can indicate whether or not there is damage to the median nerve.
- Blood Tests: A test of blood can detect underlying conditions that are related to CTS. These include hypothyroidism and diabetes.
- Imaging Scans: An image can reveal if there is a fracture or if another health condition, like RA, is present. A scan of the nerve can be done using ultrasound. MRI scans have not been found to be useful in diagnosing CTS.
Exercises
These two exercises may help to relieve CTS discomfort:
- The back of your hand should be facing downwards. Slide your fingers upwards until they point straight up toward the ceiling. Repeat this 5-10 times.
- Make a fist. Spread out your fingers as wide as you can. Repeat this 5-10 times.
A person who suspects they may have CTS must not self-diagnose the condition or attempt to treat it on their own. The best way to find out if you have CTS is to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Prevention
Reduce the risk of CTS by:
- Not gripping too tightly when performing manual tasks
- Not overbending your wrists, such as all the way up or down
- Sleeping and working with straight wrists
- Avoid repeated wrist flexion and extension
- Maintaining correct posture will prevent undue stress on your wrists and hand
- Redesigning the workstation in order to reduce wrist positions that are unnatural and stressful
- Resting and taking frequent breaks while performing routine tasks can protect you from long-term effects
- Treating any underlying condition, such as establishing good glucose control to prevent complications of diabetes
