What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand through a narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed or squeezed.

This compression leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. CTS is commonly caused by repetitive hand movements, wrist injury, certain medical conditions, or anatomical factors.

Treatment may involve wearing a wrist splint, medications, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgery.

It is a disabling problem in the hand which is unfortunately not visible from outside. It happens due to compression of a nerve in wrist. The function of nerve is to provide sensation at the fingertip and to perform motor activity as it gives innervation to hand muscles.

Prolong compression of nerve can result in temporary or permanent loss of function in the part which is taken care of by nerve. Timely intervention can almost cure the problem if associated medical conditions are also well controlled.

Get the best treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Thane at Pinnacle Orthocentre Hospital. We have the best highly qualified team of Doctors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Thane West.

At wrist level, there is one-inch diameter tunnel through which one major nerve & nine cables (flexor tendons) are passed. If the size of tunnel is reduced or the tissue wrapping the cables (synovial tissue) gets inflammation or hypertrophy, then the nerve gets compressed in the tunnel. Sometimes, there could be small lump in the carpal tunnel can also cause this syndrome.

This has been observed in people who have or had wrist fractures as bone fragment compresses the nerve directly leading to severe numbness in hand.

Following are the most common symptoms:

• Tingling & numbness of the thumb, index, middle & outer half of ring fingers
• Sleep disturbance as hand gets numb due to lack of movement during sleep
• Decrease sensation at the finger tip
• Decrease grip strength of hand causing dropping is the objects or such feeling
• Pain in thumb or fingers

It is more common in people who have diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorder, high cholesterol or any kind of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. Now a day, due to continuous use of electronic gadgets like laptops, mobile phones etc., is also seen in younger generation. Many times, during and after pregnancy this is very commonly presented.

Many times, some people have tingling or numbness from neck or shoulder to finger on one or both sides along with neck pain. This could be due to pathology in neck.

Is there any test to prove it?

Nerve conduction study (NC study) gives us idea about the severity of the problem and urgency of the treatment.

There are two components of nerve named sensory (responsible for sensation) & motor (responsible for thumb movements). This test along with Electromyography (EMG) can guide functioning of the nerve.

Ultrasonography of the palm and wrist can tell us about the size of the tunnel and size of the nerve & cables (flexor tendons) as well as extent of nerve damage.

Those who have symptoms not only in hand but also in neck and arms may need to consider X-ray of cervical spine (neck) or MRI scan to rule out compression in spine.

What is the treatment Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

After detail examination of patient and tests, various treatment options are considered. If symptoms are not bothering daily activities, then splintage & exercises for hand with medical treatment can be considered but may not cure the problem. Steroid injection in the palm in some selected patients can give relief without much side effects. In some patients, it may relieve symptoms may show recurrence.

Splint age and steroid injection therapy may work in carpal tunnel syndrome seen in pregnant females or post pregnancy.

If nerve compression is severe then ultimately surgery to release the roof of the tunnel and to consider excision of the hypertrophied synovial tissues around flexor tendons to relieve pressure on the nerve is the best option.

The treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Here are some common treatment options:

Non-surgical treatments:

1-Wrist splinting: Wearing a splint to keep the wrist in a neutral position can help alleviate symptoms and reduce pressure on the median nerve.

2-Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.

3-Lifestyle modifications: Making changes to ergonomics, such as adjusting your workstation and taking regular breaks from repetitive hand movements, can help relieve symptoms.

4-Physical therapy: A therapist can guide you through exercises and stretches that improve wrist strength, flexibility, and reduce symptoms.

5-Medications: In some cases, oral or injected corticosteroids may be recommended to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.

6-Surgical intervention: If non-surgical treatments are ineffective or the condition is severe, surgery may be considered. The most common surgical procedure for CTS is called carpal tunnel release, which involves cutting the ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve