Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Also called Median Nerve Compression, carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition leading to tingling, weakness, or numbness in your hand. It happens due to the unexpected pressure on the median nerve – the one running through the length of your arm and passes through a route in the wrist called carpal tunnel, and continues to reach your hand. The median nerve is known to balance the feeling and movement of your thumb and the movement of all the fingers, except the little finger.

If you suspect having a carpal tunnel syndrome, you should see an orthopedist for the right diagnosis and treatment.

Causes

• Repetitive movements of hand and wrist for a long time
• Extreme flexion or extension of the wrist and hand in continuity
• Swelling due to hormonal changes during pregnancy

Diabetes

• Thyroid gland imbalance
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms

• Weakness in hand
• Tingling, numbness, burning, and pain, especially in the index, ring, middle fingers, and the thumb
• Increased issues during the night
• Shock-like sensations in the index, ring, and middle fingers, and thumb

Diagnosis

• Ultrasound
• Electromyogram (EMG)
• Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)
• X-Rays
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Treatment

Lifestyle changes: If the reason for your condition is repetitive motion of wrist and hand, you need to take a break from the activities that cause the pain.

Physical therapy:  Some simple exercises to strengthen or stretch the areas can ease the symptoms. You can do nerve gliding exercises to help the better movement of the nerve through the carpal tunnel.

Immobilization: Your orthopedist will ask you to wear a splint for keeping the wrist in position to reduce the pressure on your nerves. You can wear it during the night to minimize the feeling of numbness and tingling, and have better sleep.

Pain-killers: You may be prescribed steroid shots or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling.

Surgery: When nothing works, your orthopedist may suggest a surgery called carpal tunnel release reduces pressure on your nerve by increasing the tunnel’s size.

Get an appointment booked with Dr Reddy to receive proper diagnosis and treatment for your carpal tunnel syndrome.