Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve, which provides sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, becomes compressed at the base of the wrist. This causes tingling, pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand.
Causes
- Hand Overuse: Prolonged, repetitive movements with the hands and wrists, such as typing, computer use, industrial work.
- Inflammation: Arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout can cause inflammation in the carpal tunnel.
- Diabetes: High blood glucose levels can cause nerve damage.
- Pregnancy: Hormones during pregnancy can cause swelling and pressure on the nerve.
- Injuries: Wrist fractures, dislocations, or other injuries can thicken the ligaments in the carpal tunnel.
- Other diseases: Thyroid diseases, kidney diseases.
Symptoms
- Tingling and numbness: Most common at night, in the fingers, especially the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger.
- Pain: In the wrist, forearm, which may radiate to the elbow.
- Weakness: Difficulty gripping objects, weakness in the thumb.
- A pulling sensation in the hand
Treatment
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Conservative treatment:
- Orthoses: Stabilize the wrist and relieve pressure on the nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel. Orthoses relieve pain and tingling. Orthoses for carpal tunnel syndrome can be viewed here.
- Rest: Avoid activities that irritate the hand.
- Painkillers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid injections: An injection into the carpal tunnel can reduce inflammation and pain.
- Night splint: Helps keep the wrist straight during sleep, reducing pressure on the nerve.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen arm muscles and improve movement.
- Surgical treatment: If conservative treatment does not help, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Prevention
- Regular breaks: Take regular breaks during work that involves repetitive hand movements.
- Ergonomics: Ensure that the workplace is ergonomically correct.
- Warm baths: Warm baths with Epsom salt can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Stretching exercises: Do exercises regularly to strengthen your arm muscles and improve joint mobility.
If you suspect carpal tunnel syndrome, consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Important: This information is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
