HealthDiseases and Conditions

Carpal tunnel syndrome: symptoms, treatment

The carpal tunnel syndrome (otherwise known as tunnel carpal syndrome) is a fairly common problem in modern mankind. The thing is that this pathology has a direct effect on the work of the wrist and the wrist itself. In this article, we will take a closer look at this ailment, its primary symptoms and the main methods of treatment.

Description of the pathology

The wrist, as is known, is surrounded by numerous bundles of fibrous tissue. It plays the role of a supporting function for the joint itself. The space formed between the fibrous areas of the tissue and directly the bone parts is called the carpal tunnel.

The median nerve, namely, it passes through the entire wrist, provides sensitivity to the large, middle and index fingers on the arm. Swelling or changing the position of the tissues in this area can lead to squeezing, as well as irritation of this nerve. That is why neurologic symptoms most often come to the fore.

Thus, the carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the so-called tunnel neuropathies, characterized by the defeat of peripheral nerves as a result of their constant squeezing and traumatization.

Main reasons

  • Tumor of the median nerve itself.
  • Edema of tissues due to mechanical damage and hand injuries (dislocations, bruises, fractures).
  • Chronic inflammatory processes in this area.
  • The discrepancy between the size of the channel and the volume of its contents.
  • Edema of tissues in women in the position, especially in later terms.
  • There is evidence that carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed mainly during the cold period of the year. This, in turn, proves the role of hypothermia in the development of this pathology.

Who is at risk?

  1. People with a genetic predisposition.
  2. Patients with disabilities in the endocrine system.
  3. People of low stature, overweight.
  4. Women in the period of menopause, who use oral contraceptives.
  5. People suffering from kidney failure, tuberculosis.

Symptoms

Initially, the syndrome of the carpal canal manifests itself in the form of a sensation of constant tingling and burning in the area of the large, middle and even ring fingers. Some patients complain of pain. Most often it is aching, it can spread to the forearm. Immediately after awakening, some feel the numbness of the hand, which is accompanied by a loss of pain sensitivity.

If the hand is lowered and slightly moved with your fingers, then the discomfort very quickly passes. However, he must be alert. Experts recommend in such a situation without delay to seek advice to exclude the syndrome of the carpal tunnel.

Symptoms in the absence of qualified treatment soon again make themselves felt. As the pathology progresses, various motor disturbances appear. It becomes difficult for the patient to hold in his hand any small objects, the force of capture decreases, an inaccuracy appears in the movements involving the brush.

Very often there are clinical manifestations of microcirculation of the affected area in the form of blanching of the skin, increase / decrease in sweating in this area. As a consequence, there is a deterioration in nourishment of the skin and nails, which is accompanied by a change in their appearance.

Thus, it becomes clear that the carpal tunnel syndrome should not be left out. Symptoms described above, act in this case in the role of anxious bells. If the patient does not seek help from a doctor, the likelihood of complications increases.

Diagnostics

The reason provoking this condition is usually established during the examination of the patient and studying the characteristics of his lifestyle (anamnesis). Very often the diagnosis of the syndrome is just this and is limited.

In some cases, specialists additionally prescribe a flexion and extension test, Tinel test, X-ray, MRI, ultrasound and electromyography. The last test allows to assess the ability of muscles to constantly reduce under the influence of electrical impulses. Thanks to him, the doctor can confirm the tunnel syndrome of the carpal canal or reveal another cause of the defeat of the median nerve.

Treatment

With this pathology, only two treatment options are possible: medication or surgical intervention.

How to treat carpal tunnel syndrome? Conservative therapy implies the complete cessation of the activity that provoked the appearance of the problem. In addition, experts recommend avoiding strong grasping movements, performing work with bending or tilting the wrist.

An excellent solution is to wear a special bandage. In the early stages, it reduces the manifestation of symptoms, keeps the wrist at rest. The bandage helps to neutralize pain and numbness.

As for drug therapy, in this case, anti-inflammatory drugs ("Aspirin", "Ibuprofen") are prescribed. Their main goal is to reduce swelling. Vitamin B6 helps to neutralize pain.

If such simple means do not help to overcome the syndrome of the carpal canal, treatment is supplemented by injections of the drug "Cortisone". They are used to reduce edema directly in the canal itself.

An excellent solution is physiotherapy (acupuncture, constant magnetic field). It is prescribed to improve metabolic processes in previously damaged tissues.

Alternative treatment options

This pathology requires surgical surgical intervention in the event that conservative therapy is ineffective. The operation is performed using local anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon dissects the transverse ligament of the wrist, which allows reducing pressure on the median nerve and tendons, restore normal blood supply.

After the operation, the patient is impregnated with gypsum langete for approximately 12 days. Rehabilitation measures include special massage, physical therapy, thermal procedures. The patient's disability returns in full about five weeks after the operation was performed.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and complications

It should be noted that this pathology does not apply to those violations that may pose a danger to life. However, a person with a long illness may lose the opportunity to carry out normal activities normally. Exceptionally competent therapy can prevent such an unpleasant complication and help to fully restore the work of the hand.

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