Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Overview

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a commonly occurring condition that triggers pain and numbness in the forearm and hand regions. It is caused by sudden pressure applied to the median nerve that runs through the wrist. For example, during a moment of hurry or careless, repetitive movement, the nerves of the forearm may be strained.

Compression on the median nerve may be caused due to ergonomic reasons, where constant strenuous hand and wrist movements cause musculoskeletal disorders. If not treated actively, it can lead to long-term pain and even permanent dysfunction of the hands, due to loss of sensation.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome comes under the category of common hand-related musculoskeletal disorders. It manifests in the form of a ‘tingling’ sensation or a feeling of numbness in fingers, hands or forearms. This condition is caused by the pinching/straining of a nerve, namely the median nerve that traces its way down the carpal tunnel of the wrist.

The tunnel narrows down or the synovium swells up, negatively affecting blood flow. This ‘abnormal’ pressure results in said ‘numbing feeling’. Factors like underlying health conditions, the overall anatomy of an individual’s wrist, and others may affect the degree of impact. Yet, well-planned treatment procedures can help relieve pain and numbness.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are certain recognisable symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome which should be spontaneously taken note of. Numbness in fingertips, hands or wrists is a prominent sign of this condition. Pain in the same areas may also accompany it. A tingling sensation has been recorded as a common symptom in affected individuals. Finally, if one finds it difficult to hold up or handle objects efficiently due to the weakened stature of the thumbs’ gripping muscles, healthcare professionals must be consulted at once.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition resulting from an isolated cause or the combined effect of different causes. It can be inherited, given that the anatomy featuring a small-sized carpal tunnel runs within the family line. If the passageway is narrow, it’s naturally prone to damage under pressure. A broken or injured wrist can also cause the syndrome to develop.
For office workers, ergonomic reasons may lead to the development of the condition. Desk workers, for example, are made to type away at their desktops, which prompts continuous and repetitive movement of the hands/wrists, causing them to get cramps.

In severe cases, the tendons may get aggravated, triggering a painful swelling to emerge. Strenuous positioning of the hands and wrists for extended periods may also serve as a source of pressure on the median nerve.

Pregnant women experiencing hormonal shifts every now and then experience swelling, which pressurises the nerves. Health-related conditions like diabetes, imbalance in the thyroid gland, rheumatoid arthritis, ganglion cysts, etc. can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Women are more at risk of having carpal tunnel syndrome, as their wrist anatomy is usually characterised by a narrower carpal tunnel. This puts the median nerve in a tough spot. Other anatomical alterations caused via dislocation of the wrist, arthritis and other wrist structure-impacting conditions can increase the risk of developing the syndrome.

Inflammatory conditions like gout can cause abnormal swelling, affecting the tendons lining the wrist. Obese individuals are at risk of developing the syndrome. There has also been established a link between this condition developing in humans and them being prescribed medication for curing chronic illnesses, including breast cancer, thyroid disorders, etc.
Finally, office workers are at risk of having carpal tunnel syndrome as they are required to constantly engage and flex their wrists to get work done.

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome includes a thorough physical examination and subsequent analysis of symptoms. Certain tests will also be conducted, like wrist X-rays, Tinle's sign, Phalen’s test, ultrasound, electromyography (EMG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify the severity of the condition.

The key to getting better quickly is to be able to communicate with the healthcare professional. Letting them know when the symptoms first showed up and informing them about the activities that worsened the numbness or pain, shall help vastly.

Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A carpal tunnel syndrome surgery will only be recommended in certain cases when the other non-surgical treatments fail to fetch the desired results. An incision in the ligament connecting one's wrist to the palm helps reduce pressure on the carpal tunnel. This surgery will be the final resort if the commonly opted-for measures are not enough, which mainly include switching to a modified, healthy lifestyle, and so on.

For example, tweaking the seating and desktop/keyboard positioning at the workplace and taking prescribed over-the-counter medicines can do the trick. Ergonomic settings at the office can help maintain a healthily functioning workforce. Additionally, physical therapy is recommended for diagnosed individuals. Wearing a splint at night may also help, to keep the wrist in a proper position, altogether avoiding any pressure on the median nerve.

Preventive Measures for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Some preventative measures that individuals can undertake to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome include stretching out the wrist and hand joints after exercising; taking adequate breaks from keeping the hands engaged; assuming proper sitting postures and more. Using proper techniques while engaging in physical activities is also an important step to ensure bodily safety.

Myths and Facts Related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Here are some widely believed myths surrounding carpal tunnel syndrome and the facts to prove them wrong:

Myth 1: I Simply Cannot Work With keyboards

Fact: Repetitive movements of the wrist can cause the carpal tunnel syndrome to develop. However, it doesn’t mean that one cannot engage themselves with the keyboard under any circumstance. Proper positioning of the desktop and keyboard, occasional breaks and the right seating position shall allow you to comfortably work at your desk.

Myth 2: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cannot be Permanently Cured without Surgery

Fact: The pain from carpal tunnel syndrome can be controlled and reduced permanently by switching to a healthier lifestyle in general. Physical therapy and over-the-counter medication may also help the hand heal. Healthcare professionals suggest surgery only as a last resort.

Myth 3: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Only Causes Pain in the Hands and Wrists

Fact: Increased inflammation from carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain even in an individual’s forearm, shoulders and neck. It is not restricted to the hands and wrists.

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