Carpal tunnel syndrome (otherwise called carpal tunnel syndrome) is a fairly common problem of modern humanity. The thing is that this pathology has a direct impact on the work of the hand 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 pathology
The wrist is known to be surrounded by numerous bundles of fibrous tissue. It plays the role of a support function for the joint itself. The space formed between the fibrous tissue regions and the bony parts themselves is called the carpal tunnel.
The median nerve, namely, it passes through the entire wrist, provides sensation to the thumb, middle and index fingers on the hand. Swelling or changes in the position of tissues in this area can lead to compression and irritation of this nerve. That is why in the first placemost often neurological symptoms come out.
Thus, carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the so-called tunnel neuropathies, characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves as a result of their constant compression and trauma.
Main reasons
- Tumor of the median nerve itself.
- Tissue swelling due to mechanical damage and injuries of the hand (dislocations, bruises, fractures).
- Chronic inflammatory processes in this area.
- The size of the channel does not match the volume of its content.
- Tissue swelling in women in position, especially in the later stages.
- There is evidence that carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed mainly in the cold season. This, in turn, proves the role of hypothermia in the development of this pathology.
Who is at risk?
- People with a genetic predisposition.
- Patients with endocrine disorders.
- Short, overweight people.
- Menopausal women using oral contraceptives.
- People suffering from kidney failure, tuberculosis.
Symptoms
Initially, carpal tunnel syndrome manifests itself in the form of a constant tingling and burning sensation in the area of the thumb, middle and even ring fingers. Some patients complain of pain. Most often it is aching in nature, it can spread to the forearm. Right after waking upsome feel numbness of the hand, which is accompanied by a loss of pain sensitivity.
If you lower your hand down and move your fingers slightly, then the discomfort passes very quickly. However, he should be alert. Experts recommend that in such a situation, seek advice without delay to rule out carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms in the absence of qualified treatment soon make themselves felt again. As the pathology progresses, various motor disorders appear. It becomes difficult for the patient to hold any small objects in his hand, the grip strength decreases, inaccuracies appear in the movements involving the hand.
Very often there are clinical manifestations of impaired microcirculation of the affected area in the form of blanching of the skin, increased / decreased sweating in this area. As a result, there is a deterioration in the nutrition of the skin and nails, which is accompanied by a change in their appearance.
Thus, it becomes clear that carpal tunnel syndrome should not be ignored. The symptoms described above act in this case as alarm bells. If the patient does not seek medical attention, the likelihood of complications increases.
Diagnosis
The reason that provoked this condition, as a rule, is established during the examination of the patient and the study of the features of his lifestyle (history taking). Very often, the diagnosis of the syndrome is limited to this.
In some cases, specialists additionally prescribe a flexion and extension test, Tinel test, X-ray, MRI, ultrasound and electromyography. The last test allows you to evaluate the ability of muscles to permanently contract under the influence of electrical impulses. Thanks to him, the doctor can confirm carpal tunnel syndrome or identify another cause of damage to the median nerve.
Treatment
With such a pathology, only two treatment options are possible: drug treatment or surgical intervention.
How to treat carpal tunnel syndrome? Conservative therapy implies a complete cessation of the activity that provoked the appearance of the problem. In addition, experts recommend avoiding strong grasping movements, arching 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 are prescribed ("Aspirin", "Ibuprofen"). Their main purpose is to reduce swelling. Vitamin B6 helps to neutralize pain.
If such simple remedies do not help to overcome the carpal tunnel syndrome, the treatment is supplemented with injections of the drug "Cortisone". They are used to reduce swelling directly in the canal.
Great solutionconsidered physiotherapy (acupuncture, permanent magnetic field). It is prescribed to improve metabolic processes in previously damaged tissues.
Alternative treatment options
This pathology requires surgical intervention if conservative therapy is ineffective. The operation is performed using local anesthesia. During the procedure itself, the surgeon cuts the transverse ligament of the wrist, which allows you to reduce pressure on the median nerve and tendons, restore normal blood supply.
After the operation, the patient is put in a plaster splint for approximately 12 days. Rehabilitation measures imply a special massage, physiotherapy exercises, thermal procedures. The patient's ability to work returns to full capacity approximately five weeks after the operation was performed.
Carpal tunnel syndrome and complications
It should be noted that this pathology does not apply to those disorders that may be life-threatening. However, a person who has been ill for a long time over time may lose the ability to carry out the usual actions with his hand normally. Exceptionally competent therapy can prevent such an unpleasant complication and help to fully restore the work of the hand.
