carpal tunnel syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Our hands are a complex collection of bones, muscles and ligaments, from the tips of our fingers to the nerves in our wrists. The wrist joint facilitates the transfer of power from the upper arm to the hands and allows the bending and stretching of the hand.The wrist is a crucial part of our hands when it comes to everyday actions like lifting, moving or simply gesturing, as the bear the weight and transfer the power from our arms. Uneven or excessive pressure exerted by the wrist joint on the nerves in the hand can lead to tingling and a numbness sensation in the hand and arms. This condition is called Carpal tunnel Syndrome.

Mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome usually resolve by themselves, however, if remained untreated the condition gets often grows progressively worse and can lead to long term degeneration including pain and rigidity. In chronic cases the patient experiences intense pain and stiffness of the hand and arms. The mobility of the joint is severely impacted and can have debilitating effects on a patient’s quality of life.

CAUSES

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when unnatural uneven or excessive pressure is applied to the middle hand nerve also called the Median nerve.(commonly known as the median nerve). The tunnel that holds the nerves and blood vessels constricts is constricted, leading to build up of pressure. Some of the most more commonly known factors that lead to the development of the this condition include:

• Malformations in the wrist and an innate narrowness of the carpal tunnel from birth.
• Inflammation and swelling of the surrounding soft tissue that leads to pressure build up.sustained pressure.
• Frequent and repeated movements that lead to overstraining of the wrist. For example, daily physical labor like for assemble workers or domestic cleaners. For example, typing at a keyboard all day, writing with a pen/pencil for extended periods, and domestic work like cleaning/washing.
• Accidental trauma or injury to the forearm, wrist or hand..
• Obesity, diabetes or thyroid disorders which could lead to fluid buildup due to increased water retention in the soft tissue. This leads to increased pressure on the median nerve.
• Presence of a growth or tumor in the Carpal Tunnel.
• Hormonal changes can lead to the inner skin of the joint to swell. This is especially common in women during pregnancy.

SYMPTOMS

Some of the most more commonly known symptoms of Carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Tingling and numbness sensation in the hands and arms.
• Initially symptoms of pain and discomfort show up during strenuous activities, as well as  and after long periods of inactivity like a long night’s sleep.
• Recurring sensation of hands “falling asleep”.
• In chronic cases, the joint becomes stiff and mobility is severely restricted.

Reduced functioning and permanent paralysis are fairly significant risks due to degeneration and it is highly advised that patients seek immediate medical attention if the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are experienced. Time is of the essence.Early treatment is essential to prevent such issues from occurring.

DIAGNOSIS

A medical professional begins with a complete patient history and complete a physical examination of the elbow. This provides critical information about the risk factors to the patient as well as allows allowing for a study of the progression of the condition. Functional and provocation tests are conducted to measure the nerve conduction speed of the median nervenerve and can be conducted by a GP..

Sophisticated imaging technology like X-Rays and Ultrasound can be used to get more information about the spatial conditions of the joint.

TREATMENT

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel syndrome depends entirely on the progression of the disease. Proving Providing ample support and stabiliszation to the joint can help control treat the any damage done to the wrist. Early intervention is the best course of action to prevent degeneration and permanent nerve damage.

IMMOBILIZATION

Immobilizing the wrist through the night and preferably through the day has proven effective to manage the symptoms of the condition, best done with a brace. This allows the wrist to rest and heal quicker.

REHABILITATION AND PHYSIOTHERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Regulated Regular occupational therapyphysiotherapy helps with targeted muscle training and is a proven effective treatment path. The physiotherapy exercises can help promote reorganization of the muscles and are the most effective option to curb the disease. Encouraging healthy proprioception and strengthening of the muscles in the wrist helps prevent long term degeneration.

Regular targeted exercises as instructed by a doctor or physiotherapist can help maintain the mobility and effective functioning of the joint and is highly recommended..

PRESCRIBED PAINKILLERS such as Ibuprofen or Panadol can be used to help alleviate pain and discomfort in patients. Pain, however, is a crucial indicator of the injury. Painkillers merely mask the pain without addressing the underlying condition. Long term use of painkillers has side-effects and can be counter-productive. These should only be used when directed by a doctor, and not for any extended periods.

MEDICAL WRIST BRACE

A medical wrist splints brace or splint helps will help reduce the pain and discomfort patients experience by relieving taking pressure off the joint. Wearing a Bauerfeind wrist brace like the ManuLoc helps Longcan minimisze the chances of injury and deterioration by providing enhanced stability, proprioception and  comfortmedical-grade compression. This is not found in simple neoprene sleeves and braces and can isbe instrumental in a speedy recovery. 

SURGICAL INTERVENTION

Operative surgery is considered in severe cases where symptoms are persistent, and all conservative treatments have been exhausted. In chronic conditions, a surgeon can perform operative surgery on the carpal ligament surrounding the carpal tunnel. This also allows the surgeon to clear any constricting tissue and relieve the median nerve. Patients have reported alleviation and in some cases elimination of symptoms post operation, however this is a last resort and carries with it more risk than any other treatment..

ORTHISISOrthoses

Medical wrist braces like the ManuLoc Long are perfect for both conservative and post-operative care, making them ideal for anyone suffereing from Capral Tunnel Syndrome, regardless of their stage. The brace stabilizes the wrist and relieves takes pressure off the median nerves with it’s lightweight splint stays and anatomic contour. This allows the soft tissue to heal and fights greatly reduces swelling. The brace effectively immobilizes the joint and prevents further irritation of the inflamed or damaged tissue.

The anatomically designed bandage provides medical grade compression that boosts blood circulation and encourages lymphatic drainage. The ManuLoc Long is designed to be particularly comfortable during physiotherapy, boosting increasing the effectiveness of any therapy, and fits in with any treatment plan conservative occupation therapy. The brace can be freely taken off and put back on easily, even with one hand, and still allows full movement of the fingers and thumb. The breathable and comfortable material makes it perfect for everyday use.