Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Pinched Nerve in Wrist

News Health Articles - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Pinched Nerve in Wrist.

Description

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition increasingly painful hand and arm caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist. A number of factors can contribute to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, including the anatomy of the wrist, some underlying health problems, and possible patterns use of the hands.

Bound by bones and ligaments, the capital tunnel is a narrow road that is located on the palm side of the wrist. This tunnel protects the main nerve to the hand and nine tendons of the finger. Compression of the nerve produces numbness, pain, and, eventually hand weakness that characterize Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Fortunately, for most people who research about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, proper treatment usually can relieve pain and numbness and restore normal use of the writs and hand.

Cause


Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs as a result of compression of the median nerve. The median nerve runs from the arm through a tunnel in the wrist(carpal tunnel) into the hand. Nerve provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, except the little finger. Nerves are also give nerve signals to move muscles around the base of the thumb (motor function).

In general, anything that interferes with or suppress the median nerve in the carpal tunnel may cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, For example, wrist fractures can arrow the carpal tunnel and irritate the nerves, such as swelling and inflammation resulting from rheumatoid arthritis. In many cases, there is no single cause can be identified. Maybe that combination of risk factors contribute to the development of the condition.

Symptom

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome typically starts gradually with a vague pain in the wrist that can extend to the hand or forearm. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually include :
1. Tingling or numbness in the fingers or hands, especially the thumb and index finger.
2. Pain radiating or extending from the wrist up the arm and shoulder or into the palm of the hand or fingers.
3. Weakness in hands and a tendency to drop objects.

Treatment

Some people with mild symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can ease their discomfort by taking breaks more often and give a cold compress to reduce swelling. If does not help in a few weeks, additional treatment options include wrist splinting, medications, and surgery. Splinting and other conservative treatments is more likely to help if only to have mild to moderate symptoms of less than 10 months.

1. Non surgical therapy
   These methods may include :
   
   1. Wrist splint
   2. Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
   3. Corticosteroids
2. Operation
   If symptoms are severe or persist after trying non surgical therapy, surgery will probably be the best choice.
   
   The purpose of carpal tunnel surgery is to relieve pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament pressing on the nerve. Several surgical techniques may include :
   
   1. Endoscopic surgery
   2. Open surgery

Source from : MayoClinic