Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is like a crowded subway car during rush hour.

Overview

Symptoms

Causes

Treatment

Prevention

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that occurs when pressure builds up on the median nerve in your wrist. This nerve controls the movement and feeling in your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of your ring finger.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome primarily affects the hand and wrist, but symptoms can sometimes extend further. Here are the common symptoms:

Numbness and tingling: This is often the first noticeable symptom, typically affecting the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.
Pain: You might experience pain in your wrist, hand, or even arm.
Weakness: Over time, the muscles in your hand may weaken, making it difficult to grip objects.
Night pain: Symptoms often worsen at night, disrupting sleep.
Electric shock sensations: You may feel occasional shocks or tingling that radiate into your fingers.

Causes

Engaging in Repetitive hand motions
Pregnancy can be a factor
Certain medical conditions (arthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism)
Wrist injuries
Obesity

Treatment

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms:

Non-surgical treatments:
– Wrist splints
– Over-the-counter pain relievers
– Corticosteroid injections
– Physical therapy
Surgery: Carpal tunnel release surgery is often considered if non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief.

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Carpal tunnel release surgery is a common procedure to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition where the median nerve is compressed in the wrist. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pressure on the nerve and alleviate symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.

Types of Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

There are two primary methods:

Open Carpal Tunnel Release: A traditional method involving a 1-2 inch incision on the palm side of the wrist. The surgeon directly accesses the carpal ligament and releases it. Provides excellent visibility for the surgeon.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: A minimally invasive technique using a small camera (endoscope) and specialized instruments. It Involves smaller incisions, often resulting in less scarring and quicker recovery. Offers less direct visualization compared to open surgery.

Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Reduce force and relax your grip when using tools or typing.
Take frequent breaks to stretch and rest your hands and wrists.
Maintain proper wrist position when using a keyboard, keeping it at elbow height.
Improve posture to prevent neck strain and hand discomfort.
Use a comfortable computer mouse to avoid wrist strain.
Keep your hands warm to prevent pain and stiffness.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, with the help of Dr Ananth Egoor’s expertise a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can be devised.