Having carpal tunnel syndrome can be a very painful experience. However, if you know what to do, you can have some relief.
Symptoms
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers and wrists. People with the condition may also have difficulty performing fine motor tasks such as turning a doorknob. If left untreated, symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may become permanent and may cause permanent loss of feeling in the hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. This nerve is responsible for providing feeling to all the fingers except the pinky. If it becomes damaged, the fingers can become numb, stiff, and weak.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually start slowly but may worsen over time. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are often worse when you use your wrists for long periods of time or when you bend your wrist. If you have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, modifying your activity or workstation can help slow the progression of the condition.
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms may start with pain or tingling in the fingers, and may spread to the elbow, wrist, and shoulder. The pain and tingling may be numb or may be a result of pinching or straining the nerve. If symptoms become severe, they may cause you to lose the feeling or grip in your fingers, which can lead to clumsiness or the dropping of objects.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may be worse at night or when you are not actively working. Carpal tunnel symptoms are also sometimes a result of swelling or fluid retention in the wrist. Repetitive wrist movements can cause inflammation of the synovium, the soft tissue lining of the wrist.
Some people find that a wrist splint can help relieve their symptoms. Carpal tunnel symptoms can also be relieved by shaking your hands. However, this may not prevent symptoms in the future.
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are often caused by other medical conditions, so it is important to discuss these conditions with your healthcare provider. People with diabetes, thyroid problems, or fractures may be at an increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by conditions such as pregnancy and fluid retention. However, most people develop symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome while they are working or when they are gripping objects.
Diagnosis
Using a variety of tests, your healthcare provider can identify and diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. The goal is to reduce your symptoms and improve your function. Some patients may need surgery, while others can benefit from nonsurgical treatments.
Your doctor will evaluate your wrist and hand to determine if you have carpal tunnel syndrome. They will ask you about your history of symptoms. They will also look at your hand and wrist for tenderness or swelling. Your physician will also ask you about your family’s history of carpal tunnel syndrome. They may suggest a corticosteroid injection or other treatment.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. This nerve supplies feeling to most of the fingers. It is located deep inside the wrist joint. If the nerve is compressed, it can damage the myelin sheath. This results in numbness, pain, and other symptoms.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be relieved by resting the hand or modifying your activity. Taking frequent breaks can help alleviate symptoms. You should also avoid lifting heavy objects for long periods of time. If your symptoms are causing a lot of pain, you may want to consider surgery.
Electrodiagnostic testing can be used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. The test is designed to stimulate the hand and arm muscles and measure the speed at which electrical signals are sent. Some doctors believe that electrodiagnostic testing is not necessary in most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. But it can be useful when you have atypical symptoms.
X-rays can help diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, but they may also indicate arthritis or fractures. Your physician can combine the results of your X-ray with your clinical history to make a more accurate diagnosis.
Ultrasound is another way to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. It can evaluate the median nerve and identify mass lesions in the carpal tunnel. The ultrasound may also detect structural abnormalities in the median nerve.
Electromyographical testing uses small needles to stimulate the hand and arm muscles. Electrodiagnostic tests may also be used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, but are not used as often as provocative exams.
Treatment options
Surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is often considered the best way to prevent irreversible nerve damage. It can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia.
A carpal tunnel release involves removing a ligament from the carpal tunnel and freeing the nerve. This may be performed under general anesthesia, but it is usually done on an outpatient basis. It is recommended that patients take some time to recover after surgery, which can take months.
The use of corticosteroid injections may also be considered a treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome. These injections are often effective in alleviating pain and discomfort. They may also be effective in preventing flare-ups of symptoms.
Wrist braces can be useful for patients with mild carpal tunnel syndrome. They can reduce the pressure on the median nerve and allow the wrist to rest when necessary. However, braces are not recommended for patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome.
Wrist splints can also be useful for patients with mild carpal tunnel symptoms. They can be worn to keep the wrist from moving while sleeping. These splints can also help reduce the pressure on the median nerve.
A physical examination can also be used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. The doctor will assess the hand and wrist and perform various tests. These tests can help rule out other conditions that may cause wrist pain. A nerve conduction study can also be performed to assess the function of the median nerve.
Physical therapy is also recommended in some cases. The doctor may recommend exercises that help relax the muscles in the wrist and hand. These exercises can be repeated several times each day. The therapist may also use therapeutic ultrasound to assess the motions of the hands and wrists.
Patients with significant symptoms may be referred to a hand therapist. These therapists may also recommend exercises to help with carpal tunnel syndrome. These exercises can include stretching, relaxing, and pulling the fingers back into extension. These exercises can be performed for up to five minutes per session.
Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome should also avoid activities that make their symptoms worse. Activities that cause swelling or bruising may also cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Wearing fingerless gloves can also help. If the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome become worse while you are at work, consider changes to your workstation. Also, be sure to take frequent rest breaks.
Recovery
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually arise from an increase in pressure on the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel. Symptoms include numbness, pain, and weakness of the hand. A wrist brace may be used to relieve compression on the nerve. If symptoms continue, surgery may be a viable option.
Surgery is often recommended for patients with moderate to severe symptoms. Symptoms can often be relieved with steroid injections and anti-inflammatory medication. Other measures may include changing work practices and getting a hand therapist to help you regain your hand’s function.
Surgical procedures are recommended in cases of severe pain, persistent neurological symptoms, or significant axonal degeneration. X-rays of the wrist may be ordered to rule out other causes of wrist pain.
Endoscopy is a less invasive method of treatment. During an endoscopy, the doctor makes a small incision and slides a camera underneath the ligament. This allows the surgeon to perform the surgery without the use of general anesthesia or a tourniquet.
The procedure usually provides spectacular results. In addition, the recurrence rate is low. After surgery, most patients return to normal work capacity and activities. The length of recovery will vary by patient. However, most patients see improvement in symptoms within a few days.
After surgery, the surgeon and therapist will discuss the best recovery plan with the patient. Patients should avoid activities that make symptoms worse and should take steps to avoid putting their hands in an extreme position. They should also move the fingers frequently to prevent stiffness.
Patients may have a bandage around the hand for several days. Patients can make a fist after surgery and are encouraged to use the hand for light activities. The bandage will be removed in a few days. The surgical scar will usually change in color and firmness over time.
Surgical procedures are only recommended when conservative treatments have been ineffective. If patients wait too long to get treatment, the results may be poor.
The length of recovery will depend on the patient’s age, the severity of the symptoms, and the duration of the symptoms. Patients who have a more severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome may benefit from surgery.