Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes And Treatment

The use of heat is not recommended as it could make the situation worse.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: Sometimes we feel discomfort or pain in the hand or wrist, at the same time we have a feeling of weakness, as if the strength of the hand is disappearing.

These discomforts can often be frustrating, especially if they become chronic, as the hand cannot be used and the pain can be acute and unbearable.

What can be done when it hits us? Is it true that the only solution is surgery? Is there no drug or drug that we can use to cure this syndrome?

Conventional medicine usually treats anatomical problems surgically. This is comparable to our car, for example. When an engine part of our car is damaged, it is simply replaced with a new part rather than repaired.

How often have you heard the comment that there are no longer any good mechanics, only “substitutes”. As far as medicine is concerned, it is unfortunately very similar.

Is there any other solution without operating? Here we would like to shed some light on the causes, symptoms and treatment options in conventional medicine as well as possible alternatives.

What does carpal tunnel syndrome mean?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow tube in the wrist. In this tube is the median arm nerve, which innervates part of the hand.

This tube is very narrow, but for various reasons it can narrow even more and pinch the nerve so that it cannot function properly .

The pressure on the median arm nerve causes a serious decrease in the sensitivity and range of motion of the hand.

Symptoms can range from a simple, constant tingling sensation to severe, nervous pain. Weakness in grasping with the thumb and forefinger and a reduction in the sense of touch are also felt.

This happens because the hand muscles do not receive the information or impulses from the midarm nerve and thus cannot function properly. Over time, permanent muscle damage can occur, so that the hand loses its ability to grip.

causes

It has already been mentioned that the area of the wrist where the nerve connects to the hand is called the carpal tunnel. This tube is very narrow so any swelling or enlargement can pinch or squeeze the nerve.

When this happens, pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness follow. This is known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

This disease usually appears between the ages of 30 and 60 and is more common among the male population. Carpal tunnel syndrome is rather rare, most of the time those affected have a carpal tunnel that is too narrow from birth.

Many believe that repeating hand movements every day causes this disease. This does not always have to be the case, although it would be advisable to avoid mechanical and repetitive movements.

However, there are certain activities, such as the use of mechanically vibrating tools, that can cause the syndrome, for example many workers who use jackhammers suffer from the disease.

It has not yet been scientifically proven whether other repetitive activities, such as long writing on the PC, using the computer mouse, constant movements, playing an instrument or certain sports can cause this syndrome.

Other factors that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome:

Repeated fractures and arthritis of the wrist
Formation of a cyst or tumor on the wrist
Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disease affecting the joints)
Diabetes mellitus
Hypothyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Obesity and alcohol consumption
Dropsy during pregnancy or menopause
Amyloidosis

However, most of the cases are idiopathic; that is, the actual causes are unknown. Therefore, treatment focuses more on relieving symptoms than on the causes, which, as I said, in most cases have not been proven.

Symptoms

Clumsiness of the fingers or the palm of the hand when grasping objects
Numbness or tingling of the thumb and index finger, middle finger, and ring finger
Constant tingling in the palm of the hand
Weakness in gripping or difficulty carrying grocery bags (this is a common symptom)
Pain that extends from wrist to elbow
Pain in hands and wrists
Problems with finger coordination motor skills
Weakness in one or both hands
Muscle wasting under the thumb (in advanced disease)

When should a doctor be consulted?

In order not to confuse the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome with those of arthritis (ostheoarthritis), you should see a doctor if you have any of the following:

The pain is constant and it seems to get worse even though you hold your hand out for a long time for relief.

When you move your wrist and feel a crack or crackle at the joint.

If carpal tunnel syndrome is clearly diagnosed and arthritis can be ruled out, there are several treatments to choose from, depending on the severity of the disease.

Examinations and tests

In addition to examining symptoms of numbness and weakness, the doctor can also perform the Phalen test and check the Hoffmann-Tinel sign:

Hoffmann-Tinel sign: Tapping the median arm nerve on the wrist can intensify the pain from the wrist to the hand.
Phalen’s test: a 60-second hand flexion is done to determine if there is any numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Other common examinations:

X-ray of the wrist to look for a narrowing of the ligaments or tendons through which the median nerve runs, which is causing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Electromyography, to record and examine the electrical activity of the muscles.
Speed of nerve conduction.

The last two techniques will logically give negative results if the Phalen test and the Hoffmann-Tinel sign suggest a carpal tunnel syndrome.

Possible forms of treatment

In the first place, you can try a brace and brace and wear it overnight for a few weeks.

If that doesn’t help, you may have to wear them during the day, for at least a month. You should avoid sleeping on your wrists and applying cold compresses.

MEDICATION

Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. In addition, infiltration of corticosteroids can relieve the symptoms for a limited period of time.

SURGICAL OPERATION

This procedure can relieve the carpal tunnel by breaking the ligament that puts pressure on the nerve. Surgical treatment is successful in most cases, but unfortunately not in all. Complete scarring can take months.

The symptoms can be improved with drug treatment, but in the long term, surgery will be necessary in 50% of cases.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: prevention

Tips on correct posture

There are many postures that you need to observe and change at work and at home to relieve pressure on the wrist:

Maintain a neutral stance.

Pay attention to your resting position, your hands should be spread and relaxed, do not bend your wrists. Avoid repetitive wrist movements.
The computer monitor should be at eye level. The keyboard shouldn’t be too high so that you don’t have to bend your wrists up while typing.
Avoid grasping or opening objects with just three fingers, this will increase the pressure on your wrist. Use the whole hand. If you make repetitive movements at work, alternate your hands and take a break every now and then.

Pay attention to your posture while sleeping.

When sleeping, keep your arms close to your body and your wrists straight. If the hands are trapped under your body, pressure is exerted on them, pain and inflammation occur, which can be related to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Use ergonomic designs for everyday items.

Buy tools that are designed not to harm your wrists. There are many gentle computer accessories, such as a mouse pad or drawers for the keyboard.

Rest often if you have to write long hours on the computer and take a break if you experience pain or tingling.

Exercises with wrists and hands

The following exercises will improve blood circulation and reduce pressure on wrists and hands.

Make circular motions with your hands. First palm down and out, then rotate both wrists five times to the left and five times to the right.
Stretch your thumb: For this exercise, hold your hand outwards and take your right thumb with your left hand and backwards until you feel a slight tension, for 10 seconds. Repeat the process five times on each thumb.

Spread all your fingers apart: keep your fingers as open as possible for ten minutes. Repeat this three to five times.
Apply pressure with your hand: Take a rubber ball in your hand and press it ten times, your fingers should be spread apart. Do this exercise with both hands.

It may well be possible that you have to change a few things in terms of the form of work or leisure activities. Vibrating tools can cause this disease, and it is common among musicians (pianists, flute players …).

Natural home remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome

The home remedies aim to reduce inflammation and thus relieve the pain that occurs.

St. John’s wort tea: Boil three leaves of St. John’s wort in a cup of water for ten minutes. Drink this tea lukewarm. If you are a day at least drink a cup of this tea, you’ll soon feel a relief. St. John’s wort also has a calming effect, so that you can bear the pain more easily. This in turn breaks the vicious circle that increases and lengthens the pain.

Flaxseed Oil : Consume a spoonful of flaxseed oil every day for two to four weeks. Recent scientific research has shown that the fatty acid content of these seeds has anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin B6 : Potatoes, whole grain rice, banana, green vegetables, chicken breast contain this vitamin. If you want to take vitamin B6 in capsules, you should consume two milligrams a day.
Ice compresses for hands and wrists: This will reduce the swelling. Warm compresses or heat packs have the opposite effect and would worsen the syndrome.

Medicines that stimulate the blood flow can have a preventive effect, which is why a healthy diet and regular exercise are extremely important for our health.

If this syndrome is treated properly, there are usually no complications; however, without treatment, the nerve can be damaged for life.

Surgery shouldn’t always be done right away, because surgery isn’t always beneficial, even if the surgeon thinks the sequelae could be worse.

Try all of the above before undergoing surgery. Do not think about surgery until the other treatments are unsuccessful.