Carpal Tunnel Syndrome : Symptoms & Treatment

The carpel tunnel occurs when the passageway on the palm side of the wrist becomes narrow. The median nerve controls the movement and sensation in the index finger, part of ring finger and middle finger and thumb. Repetitive hand movements and health problems contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpel tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that comes with the following syndromes.

●       Tingling, burning, pain, numbness generally in the index, thumb, ring and middle finger

●       Weakness in the thumb which would make it difficult for you to perform fine movements

●       Dropping things due to numbness, weakness

●       Pain that moves up the forearm

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms begin gradually. Patients have observed that the symptoms keep resurrecting. When the condition gets worse, symptoms occur more often and persists for a longer time. Symptoms generally occur when you hold something for a long period with the wrists bent. The sensation also occurs at night time because of the flexed wrist sleeping position. Patients develop a burning sensation as the disease progresses and dropping of objects become frequent with decreased grip strength. Sharp shooting pain is often felt in the forearm and symptoms get worse after using the affected hand. If any kind of neurological problem is faced by an individual, he/she must go to a Best Neuro Hospital Bangalore immediately.

Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the basis of the severity of the symptoms. Treatment is done to relieve the symptoms by reducing the pressure on the median nerve. The problem worsens over time without any treatment. By being diagnosed by a Leading neurologist in Bangalore early, you can stop and slow the progression of the disease in the early stages. You can reduce swelling by avoiding activities that worsen the symptoms. Applying a cold pack and taking frequent breaks to rest hands may help. Splinting may also help if you have been experiencing moderate symptoms for less than 10 months.

Non-Surgical Treatment:

Carpal tunnel syndrome can get improved with early diagnosis of the condition. Doctors recommend non-surgical treatment if the symptoms are mild. Non-surgical treatment includes:

●       Splinting or bracing

●       Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

●       Corticosteroids

●       Steroid injections

●       Nerve gliding exercises

If the carpel tunnel syndrome is caused due to arthritis, then the treatment of arthritis may reduce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, surgery may be required if the median nerve is severely damaged. The success and the failure of the surgery depend on the age of the patient, diabetes mellitus, duration of symptoms or if there is any weakness.

Surgery

If the symptoms are severe and do not get improved by other treatments, surgery may be required. The surgery involves the cutting of cutting the ligament pressing so that the pressure on the median nerve gets reduced. By doing this, the size of the tunnel increases and the pressure on the median nerve decreases. There are two techniques of performing the surgery:

●       Endoscopic surgery: A telescopic device attached to an endoscope is used by the surgeon to observe the inside of your carpel tunnel. The surgeon cuts the ligament to make one or two small skin incision in your wrist or hand. The surgery is less painful than open surgery.

●       Open surgery: The surgeon will make an incision in the palm of your hand to view the interior of the hand and wrist through this incision. The doctor will divide the roof of the carpel tunnel to free the nerve.

Getting treated from the best hospital in Bangalore can cure the problem of carpal tunnel syndrome. As the ligament tissues grow back together during the healing process, it allows more space for the nerve. It takes several months for the internal healing process and a few weeks for the skin to heal. Your overall recovery will slow down if you have arthritis. However, there are rare chances of carpal tunnel syndrome to recur.

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