What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
This is a common condition causing pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hand and fingers, normally the thumb, middle or index finger.
A range of treatments are available to ease the pain induced by carpal tunnel syndrome and help restore normal function.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
There is a range of surgical and non-surgical techniques available that can relieve pressure on the median nerve. A carpal tunnel syndrome specialist is best to judge the best treatment as the symptoms and pathways vary from patient to patient. A wrist splint can provide relief in a few weeks and corticosteroid injections help reduce inflammation.
Carpal tunnel release surgery can be performed on an day surgery basis with a reliable keyhole surgery procedure under local anaesthetic. The surgeon can make tiny modifications to the ligaments allowing a complete and permanent cure.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
The symptoms develop gradually and are more evident at night or early in the morning. Patients can experience a dull ache and discomfort in the hand reaching up the forearm to the upper arm. A burning, prickling sensation, swelling or dry skin may also occur. Repetitive actions of the hand and wrist can aggravate the symptoms.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?
Initial assessment of the hand and wrist flexibility and test for sensitivity looking for muscle weakness. A blood test, detailed nerve study using electrode, or an ultrasound scan may also be used to judge the extent of the condition.
What are the Causes?
It is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist which is responsible for carrying physical sensations such as touch from your hand and carrying nerve signals from the brain to the hand. The nerve can become compressed if the tissues in inside the tunnel become swollen or the tunnel narrows over time. Risk factors include family history, conditions such as diabetes, under active thyroid gland or rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy and wrist injuries.
Read more on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in The New Paper, published 1 July 2019, https://www.tnp.sg/lifestyle/health/dont-let-carpal-tunnel-syndrome-get-out-hand.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist
