Carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpus- the joint
between the arm and hand, made up of eight bones; the wrist. Also
the corresponding forelimb joint in quadrupeds)
The most common nerve entrapment syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome results
from compression of the median nerve at the wrist, within the carpal tunnel
(formed by the carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament).
The median nerve, along with blood vessels and flexor tendons, passes through
this tunnel to the fingers and thumb. Compression neuropathy causes
sensory and motor changes in the median distribution of the hand.
Many conditions can cause the contents or structure of the carpal tunnel
to swell and press the median nerve against the transverse carpal ligament.
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually occurs more in women between the ages of
30 – 60, it posses a serious occupational health problem. Any strenuous
use of the hands aggravates this condition, those at risk are; assembly
line workers and those who uses poorly designed tools.
Symptoms:
- Weakness of one or both hands
- Pain
- Burning
- Numbness and or tingling
The above symptoms can affect one or both hands, and can affect
the thumb, forefinger, middle finger, and the forearm. In some severe cases,
pain can spread as far as the shoulder. The patient may have a decease
sensation to light touch or pinpricks in the affected fingers. He
may have difficulty with clenching his hands to make a fist.
Treatment:
Resting the affected hand
Hand splint may be used
Physical Therapy may be require
May have to change occupation if it has been link to the patient job
details
If above treatment fails, surgical decompression of the nerve by sectioning
the entire transverse carpal tunnel ligament.
Neurolysis (freeing the nerve fibers) may also be necessary