Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What You Need to Know for Your Hand Health
Modern lifestyle and rapid advancement of technology have increased the number of hours spent in front of the computer and the number of constantly used smart devices. This can lead to increased hand and wrist problems such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In this blog post, you will find detailed information about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and learn how to prevent and treat this problem.
What is Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal Tunnel is a tunnel located on the inside of the wrist, formed by the wrist bones and ligaments. This tunnel contains the five fingers in the palm of the hand and the nerves going to these fingers. Inside the Carpal Tunnel are a number of ligaments and tissues that protect these nerves and the tendons that control the movement of the fingers.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs as a result of narrowing of this tunnel or compression of the nerves inside. This compression usually manifests itself with symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the hand. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can usually occur due to reasons such as repetitive hand and wrist movements, genetic factors, hormonal changes or injuries.
Symptoms of this syndrome often increase over time, so early diagnosis and treatment is important. Treatment methods may include medications, physical therapy, wrist splints and surgery. It is also important to take precautions such as creating ergonomic work environments, taking regular breaks, and doing hand and wrist exercises to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are many potential causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Here are the main factors that may cause this syndrome to occur:
Technology Use and Monotonous Movements: Monotonous hand and wrist movements, such as working for a long time in front of the computer and using the mouse and keyboard, can increase the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may be more prone to this condition.
Age: With advancing age, changes may occur in tendons, ligaments and bones, which may increase the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Gender: In women, fluid accumulation and hormonal changes in the body, especially during pregnancy, can increase the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Diabetes: Diabetes can increase the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by causing nerve damage.
Injuries and Traumas: Injuries to the hand or wrist area can lead to nerve compression and thus Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation in the wrist area and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Endocrine Disorders: Thyroid diseases or hormonal imbalances may increase the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Obesity: Being overweight can increase overall inflammation in the body and contribute to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Tight Hand and Wrist Movements: Constantly repetitive hand and wrist movements, especially when working with vibrating tools, may increase the risk of developing this syndrome.
The combination of these factors determines an individual's susceptibility to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. However, to reduce these risk factors and prevent the syndrome, it is important to adopt ergonomic work habits, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome presents with distinct symptoms and usually increases over time. Here are the common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Numbness and Tingling: Numbness, tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers.
Pain and Burning Sensation: A pain or burning sensation in the hands and fingers, especially the thumb, index finger and middle finger, that increases over time.
Weakness: Feeling weak in hands and fingers, difficulty grasping or holding objects.
Loss of Sensation in the Fingers: Loss of the feeling of touch, heat or cold in the fingers.
These symptoms often occur especially at night or after prolonged repetitive hand and wrist movements. Symptoms are usually felt in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half finger.
For diagnosis, a healthcare professional usually follows these steps:
Patient History Taking: A detailed patient history is taken, including when the symptoms started, their severity, and what activities they are associated with.
Physical Examination: A physical examination of the hand and wrist area is performed. Specifically, special tests such as Tinel and Phalen tests can also be applied.
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Tests: These tests measure the electrical activity of nerves and muscles and support the diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Once the diagnosis is made, the treatment plan is determined. Early diagnosis and treatment can often help relieve symptoms and prevent long-term complications.
Treatment Methods
Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may vary depending on the severity, duration and causes of symptoms. Here are the commonly used treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
