What is carpal tunnel syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist consisting of bones and ligaments, through which the median nerve passes, which is responsible for movement and sensation of the thumb and first three fingers.
The syndrome refers to the feeling of numbness or tingling in the fingers and hand as a result of pressure on the tissue surrounding the median nerve, which leads to irritation of the nerve and the feeling of this pain.
Causes of carpal tunnel syndrome
The main cause of the syndrome is pressure on the median nerve, which extends from the forearm to the hand. This pressure occurs as a result of:
- Inflammation of the tendons inside the carpal tunnel, which leads to swelling and pressure on the median nerve.
- Enlargement of the tissue inside the carpal tunnel as a result of some diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- A fracture or sprain in the wrist causes narrowing of the carpal tunnel.
- Fluid retention throughout the body, causing pressure on the wrist.
- Repetitive movements of the hand and wrist, such as typing on the computer or using hand tools.
There are also several factors that increase the risk of developing the syndrome, which are as follows:
- Genetic factor and family history of the disease.
- Some diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism, and nerve damage.
- Women are more susceptible to infection than men.
- Getting older.
- pregnancy.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel symptoms begin slowly and gradually and are not noticeable at first, but with neglect of treatment the symptoms become more severe. Symptoms include the following:
- Numbness and numbness in the fingertips and may spread to the wrist and the rest of the arm and hand.
- Burning pain in the hand that increases at night and when sleeping.
- Weakness and difficulty moving the hand and carrying things with it.
- Changes in skin color in the wrist area. It may appear pale
Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome
The treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital depends on several factors, including the severity of the symptoms and how long they last, are they chronic?, and whether the patient suffers from other diseases.
Treatment is divided into lifestyle changes and the use of medicationsPhysical therapy Or surgical treatment, treatment steps include the following:
- Avoid activities that irritate or increase hand and wrist pain.
- Take frequent breaks when using your hands.
- Use a splint to keep the wrist in a straight position, especially while sleeping or while doing activities that increase symptoms.
- Treatment with medication is by taking painkillers to relieve pain and anti-inflammatory drugs. The doctor may resort to prescribing cortisone injections to reduce inflammation.
- Physical therapy includes exercises to strengthen the hand and wrist muscles and strengthen the nerves, or use cold therapy to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Surgical treatment: In the case of severe symptoms and the failure of other treatments, surgical intervention is performed and the ligament that compresses the median nerve is cut.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
The examination and diagnosis of carpal tunnel at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital depends on the following diagnostic steps:
- Know the patient's symptoms, medical history, and physical examination of the hand and wrist.
- Tinel's test, which is when the doctor gently taps the location of the median nerve in the wrist. If the patient feels numbness in the fingers, this indicates carpal tunnel syndrome.
- The Phalen test is for the doctor and patient to bend their wrists together for a minute. If the patient feels numbness or tingling in the fingers, this may indicate an injury to the median nerve.
- Nerve conduction test: measuring the electrical activity of the median nerve and muscles. If the speed of transmission of the electrical signal is slow in the wrist area, this indicates carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Electromyography: Measures the electrical activity of the muscles controlled by the median nerve to detect any damage to them.
- Ultrasound: to see the median nerve and surrounding tissue in the carpal tunnel area, and to detect anything pressing on the median nerve.
- MRI: To create detailed images of the tissues inside the wrist.
Complications of carpal tunnel syndrome
The danger of this syndrome is its complications if left untreated, as it causes the following problems:
- The median nerve is permanently damaged, leading to extreme difficulty in moving the hand.
- Chronic pain and numbness, which affects the patient’s performance of his daily activities.
- Permanent disability and inability to move the affected hand normally.
- Atrophy and severe weakness in the muscles of the affected hand.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have carpal tunnel syndrome?
You can know whether you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome or not through two main things:
- Firstly, the symptoms, as the syndrome is characterized by numbness and tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, pain in the wrist and hand, weakness in the hand muscles, and difficulty holding things.
- Secondly, diagnosis and visit a doctor for a physical examination and tests such as nerve conduction examination and ultrasound imaging.
What is the process of carpal tunnel syndrome?
It is a surgical intervention to treat carpal tunnel syndrome that aims to relieve pressure on the median nerve. The surgical procedure is performed if other treatments fail and in the case of severe symptoms that affect the patient’s quality of life.
Surgical intervention is performed at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital by two methods:
- Open surgery involves making a small incision in the wrist and cutting the ligament that compresses the median nerve.
- Laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery, by inserting a small scope equipped with a camera and precise tools to cut the ligament compressing the median nerve.
Is carpal tunnel dangerous?
Carpal tunnel is not dangerous in itself, but neglecting treatment leads to the development of serious complications and chronic problems that affect the patient’s life.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome be cured?
Yes, the speed of recovery from carpal tunnel depends on several factors, such as the severity of the condition, early diagnosis of the disease, the extent of adherence to treatment and the doctor’s instructions, and the type of treatment used for the condition.
In conclusion, early diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is the key to rapid recovery and relief from finger and hand pain. We at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital in the Orthopedic Center provide many distinguished services in the field of orthopedic medicine and surgery. Our services are characterized by high quality and timely surgical intervention, thanks to the great experience enjoyed by the medical staff within the Orthopedic Center who are equipped with the latest medical equipment in the world.
If you suffer from one of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, you can contact us on our numbers listed on the website for more details, reservations, and inquiries.
Medical references
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – orthoinfo
