Related articles: Carpal tunnel syndrome
Definition
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a neuropathy due to compression of the median nerve at the wrist.
The median nerve reaches the hand from the forearm and passes through the carpal tunnel before dividing into the collateral nerve branches, destined for the palmar side of the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger and the radial half of the ring finger.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a widespread disease and appears more frequently in women between the ages of 30 and 50. Often, this is the result of a combination of factors, such as repetitive mechanical insults at the wrist level, sprains, fractures and other arthropathies of the wrist. Other risk factors are hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, amyloidosis, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis or other forms of diffuse arthrosis. The development of a cyst or tumor within the canal, as well as activities or jobs that require repeated flexion and extension of the wrist, or the prolonged manual use of instruments that produce vibrations, can also contribute to the onset of disorder. Sometimes, however, it is not possible to identify a precise cause at the base of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Muscular atrophy and paralysis
- Muscular atrophy
- Hand and wrist pain
- Tingling in the right arm
- Tingling in the Left Arm
- Tingling in the right hand
- Tingling in the hands
- weakness
- Paresthesia
- Rheumatism
- Raynaud's syndrome
Further indications
Carpal tunnel syndrome is manifested by burning or dull pain in the hand, fingers and wrist, associated with changes in sensitivity.
Numbness and tingling are typically distributed along the course of the median nerve and, initially, occur mainly during the night or upon awakening. An electric shock sensation can be felt in the thumb, middle finger and ring finger.
The evolution of compression can lead to atrophy and decrease in grip strength ("paralytic" phase). In the advanced stages of carpal tunnel syndrome, pain can be continuous and radiate to the shoulder.
The diagnosis is suggested by the symptomatology. To rule out other types of peripheral neuropathy, nerve conduction examinations should be performed on the affected limb, such as electromyography.
Treatments include immobilization of the wrist in a neutral position (with the help of a guardian) and the adoption of ergonomic improvements (for example: changing the position of the computer keyboard). To control the symptoms, analgesics or corticosteroid injections can be taken. Sometimes, to decompress the carpal tunnel, surgery is indicated.
