Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome? Information about the different stages of this condition, its symptoms, and treatments.
Symptoms and Causes
The name of this condition comes from the narrow passageway through which the wrist nerve passes to the hand, called the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve, which connects the wrist to the hand. As a result of this pressure, pain and loss of sensation occur.
There are typically three types of carpal tunnel syndrome, categorized by severity and the degree of nerve damage:
- Mild Syndrome: causes discomfort and tingling, but does not affect movement or cause pain.
- Moderate Syndrome: although it affects finger sensitivity, daily tasks can still be performed.
- Severe Syndrome: when the nerve is severely damaged, movement is limited, strength is lost, and pain occurs.
Depending on the condition of the nerve, specialists opt for different types of treatments, which can range from medication to surgical intervention.
Symptoms
The most characteristic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Wrist and forearm pain.
- Tingling, numbness, or cramping in the fingers.
- Weakness and difficulty gripping objects.
Causes
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve. It can occur due to a fracture in the wrist bone, inflammation, or as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.
Risk Factors
The factors that increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Having a fracture, sprain, or dislocation in the wrist.
- Suffering from inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, or conditions that promote nerve damage such as diabetes and hypothyroidism.
- Obesity.
- Having a job that requires repetitive wrist flexion.
Complications
When carpal tunnel syndrome is properly treated, complications are rare. If left untreated, it can cause serious nerve damage that results in permanent numbness and weakness, as well as muscle atrophy.
Prevention
Anyone can develop carpal tunnel syndrome at any time. However, risks can be reduced by taking breaks when work involves straining one or both wrists, or by adopting an ergonomic position when handling objects, for example.
What doctor treats carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed and treated by traumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, occupational medicine doctors, and neurophysiologists.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome involves several steps. First, symptoms and medical history are reviewed, followed by a physical examination during the consultation. To confirm the condition and determine the degree of nerve damage, a neurophysiological study is performed, which includes an electromyogram (EMG) and a nerve conduction study (NCS) to measure nerve electrical activity.
Treatment
Different treatments may be applied depending on the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. The most common include:
- Relieving pain with painkillers and anti-inflammatories to reduce pressure.
- Undergoing physiotherapy sessions to improve movement, flexibility, reduce pain, and reduce swelling.
- Wearing splints to immobilize the area and aid recovery.
- Performing surgery on the carpal tunnel to release the nerve. This involves cutting the carpal ligament using endoscopic techniques.
