Carpal canal syndrome (otherwise called carpal tunnel syndrome) is a fairly common problem of modern mankind. The thing is that this pathology has a direct effect on the work of the hand and the wrist itself. In this article, we will examine in more detail this ailment, its primary symptoms and the main methods of treatment.
Pathology Description
The wrist is known to be surrounded by numerous bundles of fibrous tissue. It plays the role of a supporting function for the joint itself. The space formed between the fibrous regions of the tissue and directly the bone parts is called the carpal canal.
The median nerve, namely, it passes through the entire wrist, provides sensitivity to the thumb, middle and forefinger on the hand. Edema or a change in tissue position in this area can lead to compression, as well as irritation of this nerve. That is why neurological symptoms most often come to the fore.
Thus, carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the types of so-called tunnel neuropathies, characterized by damage to peripheral nerves as a result of constant compression and trauma.
Main reasons
- Tumor of the median nerve.
- Swelling of tissues due to mechanical damage and trauma to the hand (dislocations, bruises, fractures).
- Chronic inflammatory processes in this area.
- Inconsistency of the size of the channel to the volume of its contents.
- Swelling of tissue in women in position, especially in the later stages.
- There is evidence that carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed mainly in the cold season. This, in turn, proves the role of hypothermia in the development of this pathology.
Who is at risk?
- People with a genetic predisposition.
- Patients with impaired endocrine system.
- People of short stature, overweight.
- Menopausal women using oral contraceptives.
- People suffering from kidney failure, tuberculosis.
Symptoms
Initially, carpal tunnel syndrome manifests itself in the form of a constant tingling sensation and burning sensation in the area of the thumb, middle and even ring fingers. Some patients complain of pain. Most often, it is aching in nature, can spread to the forearm. Immediately after awakening, some feel numbness of the hand, which is accompanied by a loss of pain sensitivity.
If you lower your hand down and slightly move your fingers, then the discomfort passes very quickly. However, he should be alert. Experts recommend in such a situation immediately seek advice in order to exclude carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms in the absence of qualified treatment will soon be felt again. As the pathology progresses, various motor disorders appear. It becomes difficult for the patient to hold any small objects in his hand, the grip force is reduced, and inaccuracy in movements involving the hand appears.
Very often there are clinical manifestations of a violation of microcirculation of the affected area in the form of blanching of the skin, increased / decreased sweating in this area. As a result, deterioration of the nutrition of the skin and nails is observed, which is accompanied by a change in their appearance.
Thus, it becomes clear that carpal tunnel syndrome should not be ignored. The symptoms described above act in this case as disturbing bells. If the patient does not seek help from a doctor, the likelihood of developing complications increases.
Diagnostics
The reason that provoked this condition, as a rule, is established during the examination of the patient and the study of the features of his lifestyle (history). Very often, the diagnosis of the syndrome is just that.
In some cases, specialists additionally prescribe a flexion and extension test, Tinel test, X-ray, MRI, ultrasound and electromyography. The last test allows you to assess the ability of muscles to constantly contract under the influence of electrical impulses. Thanks to him, the doctor can confirm carpal tunnel tunnel syndrome or identify another cause of the median nerve damage .
Treatment
With such a pathology, only two treatment options are possible: drug treatment or surgical intervention.
How to treat carpal tunnel syndrome? Conservative therapy implies a complete cessation of the activity that provoked the appearance of the problem. In addition, experts recommend avoiding strong grasping movements, performing work with arching or tilting the wrist.
An excellent solution is to wear a special bandage. In the early stages, it reduces the onset of symptoms, keeps the wrist at rest. The bandage helps to neutralize pain and numbness.
As for drug therapy, in this case anti-inflammatory drugs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen) are prescribed. Their main goal is to reduce swelling. Vitamin B6 helps to neutralize pain.
If such simple remedies do not help overcome carpal tunnel syndrome, treatment is supplemented by injections of the Cortisone preparation. They are used to attenuate edema directly in the canal itself.
Physiotherapy (acupuncture, constant magnetic field) is considered an excellent solution. It is prescribed to improve metabolic processes in previously damaged tissues.
Alternative Treatment Options
This pathology requires surgical intervention in the event that conservative therapy is ineffective. The operation is performed using local anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon dissects the transverse wrist ligament, which allows you to reduce pressure on the median nerve and tendons, restore normal blood supply.
After surgery, the patient is given a plaster cast for approximately 12 days. Rehabilitation measures include a special massage, physiotherapy exercises, thermal procedures. The patient's ability to work returns fully after about five weeks from the moment the operation was performed.
Carpal tunnel syndrome and complications
It should be noted that this pathology does not apply to those disorders that can be life-threatening. However, a person who is ill for a long time may lose the ability to carry out the usual actions with his hand normally. Exceptionally competent therapy can prevent such an unpleasant complication and help fully restore the work of the hand.