Carpal tunnel syndrome
Written by:Carpal tunnel syndrome is a peripheral neuropathy that occurs when the median nerve , which extends from the forearm to the hand, is pressed or trapped inside the carpal tunnel , at the level of the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow and rigid passageway at the base of the hand, in which any process that provokes the occupation of space, leads to its reduction and entrapment of the nerve. It is the most common peripheral neuropathy due to entrapment : it affects up to 3% of the general population and has a higher incidence in women.
Causes and symptoms
Repetitive hand movements can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. It is a disease that tends to be hereditary and with a high rate of affected people who perform manual work of effort. Another of the most frequent causes is suffering from various diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disease, in addition to being common in women who are in the last months of pregnancy.
As for the symptoms of the syndrome, they have to do with numbness or tingling in the hand, even pain, with a higher degree at night. Pain is also extendable to the wrist, palm or forearm.
Two types of treatment
Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed by electromyography , a test that establishes the nerve conduction velocity of the median nerve. Once the disease is diagnosed, and when resting, taking anti-inflammatories or using wrist bands does not respond, surgical treatment must be used to release the median nerve as it passes through the carpal channel.
Open or endoscopic surgery are the two types of surgical treatment that exist to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. In the latter, technique that I use, the help of a camera allows getting a good view of the median nerve through a small incision. This treatment allows the patient a shortening of the recovery period, with a maximum of three weeks approximately so that the reincorporation into his daily life is complete.
