What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder caused by pressure on the median nerve located in the wrist, specifically in the carpal tunnel region. This nerve controls movement of the thumbs and almost all of the fingers. In most cases, the dominant hand is affected.
With a prevalence of 5.8% in adult women and 0.6% in men, this syndrome is characterized by a misleading onset, which can delay a diagnosis that is entirely clinical. If symptoms persist and worsen, surgery may be necessary to enlarge the tunnel or create more space and reduce pressure on the nerve. However, symptoms can usually be relieved without surgery. Once the condition is identified, it is necessary to change habits, for example: using the affected hand less frequently. This means avoiding the use of mobile devices and, if possible, keeping the wrist splinted and straight.
The Expert Council on Occupational Diseases of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) recommended carpal tunnel syndrome as an occupational disease based on a 2011 meta-analysis that included 87 relevant studies and identified several risk factors associated with this syndrome, such as heavy manual labor, high manual strain and vibration, as well as repetitive movements and chronic bending of the hand.
However, despite the prevalence and impact of this condition on healthcare systems, there is still much controversy regarding optimal therapy, some of the most commonly used are:
- Corticosteroid injection: It has been used for its anti-inflammatory effect. Various types of corticosteroids have been used, such as hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or triamcinolone, generally in combination with a local anesthetic.
- Oral supplements and medications: The effects of vitamin B6 in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were established based on research reports with a small number of participants. The improvement observed in some cases was thought to be due to the resolution of a previously undiagnosed neuropathy or to analgesic action on the pain pathway.
- Exercise therapy and mobilization techniques: Several researchers suggest this therapy because it improves symptoms by preventing or stretching adhesions between the tendons and the median nerve, decreasing tenosynovial edema, improving venous return, and therefore reducing pressure within the carpal tunnel.
- Wrist immobilization: Avoiding extreme wrist position reduces pressure within the carpal tunnel, and a neutral wrist position improves hemodynamic parameters, reduces edema, and minimizes nerve friction and compression.
Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome:
Some of the risk factors that can increase the chances of developing this disease are:
- The anatomy of your wrist.
- If you are pregnant.
- Hereditary factors
- If you are going through menopause.
- If you have kidney failure problems.
- If you are overweight or take oral contraceptives.
- The repetitive movements you can do with your hands every day.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome develop gradually. Initially, you may experience numbness and aching pain in your wrist, thumb, index finger, and middle finger. After a period of time without treatment, symptoms may worsen. symptoms They can worsen both during the day and at night.
Symptoms you should pay attention to include:
- Numbness or numbness in the thumb, ring finger, index finger, and wrist.
- Pain and numbness in the wrist.
- UrinationTingling or pain that goes from the forearm to the shoulder is painful.
- Muscle weakness in the affected hand.
- Sensation of spasm that irrigates towards the fingers.
For several years now, carpal tunnel syndrome has been classified as an occupational disease, meaning it's generally caused by work-related activity. If your job requires you to spend extended periods of time at the computer with your wrist or arm bent, you may be more prone to developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
It's important to see a doctor to receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner and reduce the risk of symptoms worsening. The treatment you receive will depend on the disease's progression and your medical history. Treatment can be conservative or surgical.
PRONAPRESA
"Because prevention is better than cure"
Visit our online store https://pronapresa.com and find the best nutritional supplements, spa equipment, and appliances for your home or business at the best prices. Check it out!
