Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Numbness and pain in the hands at night, which gradually intensify over time, can be severe enough to wake you up from sleep and can radiate to the arm and shoulder. Loss of sensation in the palm and fingers, or an electric shock sensation, is particularly common in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Loss of strength in the hand, inability to grip, dropping objects, and relief by shaking the hand are common symptoms.

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

The wrist has a complex anatomical structure. The nerve-muscle-vascular complex that enables finger and hand movements passes through this nerve. The median nerve, which provides movement and sensation to the thumb and index finger, also passes through the middle of the inner surface of the wrist and branches into the hand. This nerve is covered by a thick, protective band at wrist level and partially within the palm. This protective band thickens towards middle age for various reasons, compressing the nerve beneath it. The most common cause is band thickening due to overuse. It is particularly common in people who work for years with heavy loads on their wrists, including those who use typewriters and computers, housewives who knit or perform intensive household chores, and those who use their wrists frequently, such as auto mechanics. Sometimes, this condition can be present as part of another medical condition.

• Diabetes
• Thyroid Disease
• Hormonal Disorders
• Rheumatic Diseases
• Obesity

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSIS MADE?

Diagnosis is made using a detailed history of symptoms, a physical examination, and an EMG (electromyography). EMG allows for definitive diagnosis by measuring the degree and location of nerve compression. It is an examination performed using electrical currents and sometimes needle electrodes. MRI, CT scan, and biochemical tests also aid in diagnosis.

TRAINING CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

• Initially, prevent overuse and avoid tasks that put excessive strain on the wrist.
• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications
• Wrist exercises
• Wrist splints, night splints
• Regional cortisone injections
• Physical therapy
• Surgical treatment

WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

• Rest your hands occasionally when using the computer.
• Be careful when performing household tasks that place significant strain on the wrist.
• Do not sleep on your wrist at night.
• Especially if you wake up at night with numbness in your hands. If your sleep is interrupted, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is starting.