ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Carpal tunnel syndrome

What is Carpal tunnel syndrome?

21:55 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

This is a condition in which the median nerve (which runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand) is pressed, causing pain, stiffness, numbness, lack of strength, and tingling in the hand or arm, depending on the degree of pressure.

The carpal tunnel is in the palm of the hand which, as its name implies, is a small passage between the bones and ligaments in that area. 

Signs and symptoms Carpal tunnel syndrome

The median nerve is responsible for movement and sensation of the forearm and hand, so when it is swollen or pressed by the narrowing of the carpal tunnel, it can cause serious symptoms that can be progressive, including:

  • Weakness in hand and arm.
  • Numbness.
  • Tingling.
  • Insomnia.

You should see your doctor when the symptoms are evident and increasing, since if you do not receive the appropriate treatment there could be muscle and nerve injuries. 

Potential risks:

There are multiple factors associated with carpal tunnel syndrome that, although their direct incidence has not been proven, can increase the risk of developing it: 

  • Wrist fractures or injuries.
  • Gender: it is more frequent in women, since the carpal tunnel is narrower in them.
  • Diabetes. 
  • Arthritis.
  • Obesity. 
  • Body fluid retention. 
  • Menopause, thyroid diseases, and kidney failure.
  • Excessive use of the computer due to the posture when writing. 

Diagnosis and treatment Carpal tunnel syndrome

After a physical examination and analysis of your clinical history, x-rays, electromyography, and nerve conduction studies will be requested to confirm the diagnosis and to be able to choose the appropriate treatment, which should reduce numbness and tingling, restoring movement. If not, immobilization of the wrist with a temporary sleep splint may be used, in addition to taking painkillers and anti-inflammatories.

If the treatment does not work and the symptoms worsen, the only option is surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that is pressing on it.

At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the locomotor system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

We put our skills and knowledge at your service to provide you and your loved ones with cutting-edge treatments and highly specialized medical care in the following procedures:

  • Arthroscopic surgery.
  • Partial and total joint replacement surgery (prostheses).
  • Trauma surgery.
  • Hand surgery. 
  • Foot and ankle surgery.
  • Spinal surgery.

We treat injuries such as:

  • Dislocation.
  • Chronic bone and joint diseases.
  • Ligaments.
  • Spinal diseases.
  • Joint replacements.

Fuentes:

  • arthritis.org 
  • mayoclinic.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • fisioterapia-online.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Buenaño MHF, Muyulema AJC, Buenaño BEN, et al. Ergonomía y reumatología. De la prevención al tratamiento del síndrome del túnel carpiano. Rev Cub de Reu. 2017;19(Suppl: 1):195-201.
  • Garmendia GF, Díaz SFW, Rostan RD. Síndrome del túnel carpiano. Revista Habanera de Ciencias Médicas. 2014;13(5):728-741.
  • Rodríguez NMJ, Hernández ZMS, Montoya PA, et al. Valoración clínica y neurofisiológica del tratamiento rehabilitador en pacientes con síndrome del túnel carpiano . MediSan. 2013;17(01):109-116.
  • Ezquerra-Herrando L, Gómez-Vallejo J, Corella-Abenia E, et al. Factores pronósticos en la cirugía del síndrome del túnel carpiano. Acta Ortop Mex. 2014;28(3):160-163.

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