Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition in which the fingers, especially the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger, experience a sensation of tingling, numbness, electric shock, thickness, lack of feeling, pain/cramps, and weakness in the hand. These symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse at night. This syndrome is caused when the median nerve in the wrist is squeezed or compressed because the carpal tunnel becomes narrow due to the tissue surrounding it swelling and pressing on the median nerve. Women are usually more at risk of experiencing this disease than men.

 

Risk Factors for CTS =

• Female gender
• Diabetes mellitus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Changes in body fluid balance.
• Menopause, obesity, thyroid disease, kidney failure.
• Working with vibrating, heavy and repetitive tools using your hands such as working in factories, typing, writing, making cakes, tailoring, driving, driving motorbikes, and others.
• Family hereditary factors
• Wrist injury
• Pregnancy

 

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Sensation of tingling, thick, numbness, lack of feeling, cramps, pain in the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger. Can be accompanied by weakening of the fingers.
• Pain in the arm.
• Less sensitive to touch.
• Swelling, dry skin, or discoloration of the skin of the hands.
• The ability of the fingers or hands affected by CTS will be reduced, such as buttoning clothes, typing, or lifting something with the fingers.
• Hands or fingers affected by CTS will find it difficult to move, for example typing, buttoning clothes, or lifting something with your fingers.

 

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The diagnosis of CTS is made by analyzing the symptoms of CTS and then doing a physical examination of the hands and wrists. Usually Tinnel and Phallen tests are performed to confirm CTS. Apart from that, inspections can be carried out

• Electromyography or nerve conduction study.
• Imaging with ultrasound.

 

Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treatment for CTS can be done by administering medication, injections to release pinched nerves, and surgery. Patients are also advised to use wrist support during activities and reduce work that involves a lot of wrists.