Carpal tunnel Syndrome is the commonest condition affecting a single nerve or a mononeuropathy.
It commonly affects IT professionals, chefs, and sportsmen.
It is an inflammation of a nerve known as Median Nerve which runs through a tunnel in the wrist made up of muscle endings in the wrist. It usually happens due to a decrease in the diameter of the tunnel due to various conditions.
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome affects the hand and wrist.
Causes:
- Excessive use of your hand or the wrist which puts pressure on the nerve.
- People with diabetes are prone to CTS, which is a common feature of diabetic neuropathy.
- Autoimmune Diseases
- People who undergo hemodialysis for chronic kidney damage experience a build-up in the hand of a protein called beta 2-microglobulin which may result in CTS.
- Pregnancy: Since there is a hormonal shift in pregnancy and natural retention of water there is a probability of development of CTS during pregnancy.
- Hypothyroidism
- Trauma: Any severe injury to the wrist may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms of CTS
- Pain in the wrist, especially at night
- Muscle Wasting in the hand
- Difficulty in movement of the wrist
- Pinprick sensation in the hand
- Numbness of the fingers.
- Loss of Temperature and touch sensation in the fingers
Tests
- Neurological Tests
- Clinical Tests
- Blood Tests: Hb1AC, T3, T4, TSH, HGH, etc
Management
- Splinting
- Local Steroid Injections
- Decompression Surgery
- Physiotherapeutic Rehabilitation
- Correction of the underlying cause
- Rest
Useful Tips
- Use a wrist support/mouse pad while using the system
- Stretch your wrist every hour to avoid stiffness of joints.
- Do not keep your wrist on the mouse for a long period of time
