Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. It is often caused by repetitive hand motions or improper wrist positioning. Treatment options range from wrist splints and anti-inflammatory medications to corticosteroid injections and carpal tunnel release surgery. Preventive measures include proper ergonomics, stretching, and taking breaks from repetitive tasks.
3.
is a painful condition of the hand and fingers
caused by excessive pressure on the median
nerve at the front of the wrist
4. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on
the palm side of your wrist made up of bones
and ligaments.
The median nerve, which controls sensation and
movement in the thumb and first three
fingers, runs through this passageway along with
tendons to the fingers and thumb.
When it's pinched or compressed, the result is
numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the
hand, called carpal tunnel syndrome.
5. The carpal tunnel is located on the palm side of the wrist. The
floor and sides of the carpal tunnel are formed by the eight wrist
bones and the roof of the tunnel is a tough piece of fibrous
tissue, called the transverse carpal ligament.
6.
7.
Caused by frequent or repetitive tasks.
Improper use, or improper position of the wrists
during typing.
9. Numbness,
tingling and pain in the
thumb, index and middle finger.
As
symptoms worsen, people may find it
difficult to close the hand into a fist, grasp
small objects, or perform other manual tasks
with their hands.
They
may also feel increased tingling during
the day and a marked decrease in the
strength of their grip.
10. to notice weakness in your thumb and first
two, and it may be difficult to make a fist or grasp
objects.
You may find yourself dropping things, or you may
have trouble doing things
11. Some people feel like their fingers are
swollen, or they may have trouble distinguishing
between hot and cold.
12. There usually isn't one definitive cause of carpal tunnel
syndrome.
Because the carpal tunnel is narrow and rigid, anytime there
is swelling or inflammation in the area, the median nerve
can be compressed and cause pain.
Symptoms may be present in one or both hands (usually
symptoms develop in the dominant hand first).
13. -Women are 3 times more likely than men to get CTS.
Certain conditions can also increase your risk. These
include:
-Diabetes
-Gout
-Hypothyroidism
-Rheumatoid arthritis
-Pregnancy
-Sprain or fracture of the wrist
14. At first, symptoms of CTS come and go, but as the
condition worsens, symptoms may become constant.
Pain may radiate up the arm all the way to the shoulder.
Over time, if untreated, CTS can cause the muscles on
the thumb side of your hand to waste away (atrophy).
15. The Tinel test involves tapping on the median nerve
to see if it causes tingling in the fingers.
Phalen test; the doctor will have you press the
backs of your hands together for a minute to see if
this causes numbness or tingling.
16. -To
confirm the diagnosis (a nerve conduction
study)
-Electromyography, uses a fine needle inserted
into a muscle to measure electrical activity and
assess damage to the median nerve.
17. Advise resting the hand and wrist and wearing a brace
to limit movement.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs such as
ibuprofen and naproxen, along with cold
compresses, can reduce pain.
18. -Corticosteroids
-Steroids can temporarily reduce inflammation
around the median nerve.
-Injection of a local anesthetic (lidocaine) can
also relieve symptoms.
-Other things that may help include diuretics.
-Vitamin B6 supplements.
19. If surgery is needed, it's typically done on an
outpatient basis under local anesthesia.
The ligament overlying the top of the carpal tunnel
is cut to relieve pressure.
The healed ligament will allow more space in the
carpal tunnel.
20. Sometimes the procedure
is done
endoscopically, using a
tiny camera inserted
through a very small
incision to guide the
procedure.
21. There may be some swelling and stiffness right after
surgery, which can be relieved by elevating hand over
heart and moving fingers frequently.
To wear a wrist brace for a few weeks while you
heal, but will still be able to use your hands.
Pain and weakness usually resolve within two months
after surgery, but it may take 6 months to a year to
recover completely.
22. •Good
posture
•Ergonomic tools and workstations
•Stretching hands and wrists regularly
•Taking frequent rest breaks to shake arms and
legs, lean back
•Change position throughout the work day