What is it?
The carpal tunnel is basically a passage that lies inside the wrist. It is surrounded by a fibrous band made up of ligaments and bones. This band aims to protect the median nerve, which runs from the arm to the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the name given to the process where this band places pressure on the nerve, limiting function of the part of the hand and fingers supplied by the nerve.
Symptoms
The median nerve supplies the thumb, index finger, and half of the middle finger. If the nerve is compressed you will find that those parts of your hand will become numb, and you will feel a tingling sensation or even pain. Your hands may feel weak, or you may notice that your grip is not what it used to be. These symptoms are usually worse at night and are relieved somewhat by shaking of the hand.
Causes
There are various causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, some being related to disease and others related to external factors. Two of the biggest diseases in this group are diabetes and hypothyroidism. Diabetes increases the median nerve’s pressure sensitivity, while hypothyroidism leads to water retention, putting pressure on the nerve. The same mechanism of water retention happens during pregnancy, causing the same effect. External factors include wrist injuries like dislocation or fracture of the carpal bones.
Sometimes no cause can be found, and thus it is labeled idiopathic. Some people are born with a carpal tunnel that is abnormal, so this predisposes them to carpal tunnel syndrome. People who already have the condition run the risk of making it worse by doing tasks that require repetitive movements of the hand.
Treatment
The management of the condition will depend on how extensive it is. For milder cases stopping tasks that aggravate symptoms can lead to relief. If you can’t avoid these activities entirely, try giving your wrists a break every once in a while. If your hands also tend to become swollen you can apply a cold compress to help relieve symptoms.
For moderate symptoms the next step is to splint the wrist. The splint should be worn during the night to prevent the hand from moving during sleep. This method is helpful especially if you have had your symptoms for less than a year. Deep massage can also aid in reducing the swelling pressing on the nerve. Stretching of the tendons of the wrist also aid in blood flow the hand.
For the more serious cases there is a surgical option. There are several types of surgeries and they all incorporate the process of cutting the ligament pressing on the nerve. With this method symptoms sometimes cannot all be relieved but most patients report success.
Aside from activity changes and surgeries there is also the option of medication. There is no miracle drug that will cure the syndrome but there are certain types that will aid in relieving symptoms. These include corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories. This will help to reduce the inflammation as well as relieve pain.
