What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Its Treatments

Have you ever had that tingly or numb feeling in your hand, like it’s gone to sleep? It’s not just you – many people experience this, and it’s often due to something called carpal tunnel syndrome. Basically, our hands have a narrow tunnel-like passage. When it gets cramped, it causes discomfort and numbness sensations, eventually causing carpal tunnel syndrome. In this blog, we will take a closer look at carpal tunnel syndrome. We’ll figure out what it feels like and what you can do about it.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

A common hand condition, carpal tunnel syndrome, is caused by pressure on one of the primary nerves in the hand, called the median nerve.

This compression can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.

It often arises from repetitive motions or prolonged wrist positioning in certain ways. It is common among people who use computers, do assembly line work, or engage in activities that strain the wrist.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause various symptoms that primarily affect the hand and wrist. Common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include:

Numbness, tingling, burning, and pain, primarily in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
Occasional shock-like sensations radiating to the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
Pain or tingling sensation that may travel up the forearm toward the shoulder.
Weakness in the hand and drop objects.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to seek medical attention.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis

There are several tests that healthcare professionals use to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome or to assess the likelihood of its presence.

Here are some common carpal tunnel syndrome tests that may be used:

Medical history, in which your doctor will review the pattern of your symptoms.

Physical examination, which includes testing the feeling in the fingers and the strength of the muscles in the hand

Imaging tests such as ultrasound or X-ray

Nerve conduction study in which a small shock is passed along the median nerve to see if the median nerve is functioning properly.

Electromyography measures the electrical activity of muscles.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, seeking medical attention is recommended. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help manage the condition effectively.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments

The carpal tunnel syndrome treatment aims to alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, and relieve pressure on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. The appropriate treatment plan can vary based on the severity of the condition and individual factors.

Here are some common carpel tunnel syndrome treatments:

Nonsurgical Treatment

1. Wrist Splinting

Wearing a splint on the wrist at night when you sleep can help keep the wrist still and reduce pressure on the median nerve. It can also help prevent daytime symptoms

2. Medications

Medications like painkillers and NSAIDs may help relieve pain in the short term.

3. Steroid Injection

This can be effective in cases where a wrist splint has not helped. Your doctor may inject the carpal tunnel with local anaesthetic and steroids. In more significant cases, steroid injections only help temporarily.

4. Activity Changes

If your job or activities aggravate your symptoms, modifying them can help slow or stop the progression of the disease. For example, take frequent breaks from repetitive activities involving the use of the hands.

a. Exercises

Some carpal tunnel syndrome exercises can help improve your wrist and hand’s flexibility, strength, and mobility. Some of these are.

b. Wrist Rotations

Slowly move your wrist in circular motions, both clockwise and counterclockwise. Repeat up to four times.

c. Thumb Stretch

Using your opposite hand, push your thumb backwards until you feel a gentle stretch. Repeat up to four times.

e. Prayer Stretch

Put your hands together under your chin in a prayer position. Push your hands down to your waist until you feel a moderate stretch. Hold for up to 30 seconds. Repeat four times.

Surgery:

Surgical procedures may be appropriate if symptoms are severe and don’t respond to other treatments.

Carpal Tunnel Decompression (CTD)

CTD is a day surgical procedure in which your surgeon makes an incision in the palm to release the nerve. The wound is then closed with sutures, and a bulky dressing is applied.

Consult for Dr Ehab Bassim Aldlyami- a Skilled Hand Surgeon

Dr Ehab Bassim Aldlyami is a dedicated head surgeon in Dubai passionate about healing hands and wrists.

Dr Ehab’s clinical expertise spans a broad spectrum, addressing conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Whether it’s nerve repair or managing carpal injuries and disorders, his goal is to restore function and alleviate pain in your hand and wrist.

Book your appointment today.