The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that opens into the hand.
The median nerve runs through the carpal tunnel and gives feeling to the 2nd through the 4th finger (the medial half of it).
Carpal tunnel is a condition that affects any gender, and the prevalent of people affected by this condition, are people who do repetitive movements with their hands and arm.
Carpal tunnel Symptoms
- Numbness
- Pins and needles in the hand
- Pain, particularly at night
- Darting pains from the wrist
- Radiated or referred pain in the arm and shoulder
- Weakness of the hand
- The little finger and half of the ring finger are unaffected.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Presentation
Occasionally there is no clear cause for Carpal Tunnel.
Said so, sometimes there is a combination of factors such as:
- Arthritis – C.T. is a consequence of inflammation and swelling
- Pregnancy – During the pregnancy period, given the increase of hormones, the body tends to retain more fluid, which can compress the median nerve and replicate CT symptoms.
- Genetics – some people can have smaller carpal tunnel
- Overuse injury – as previously mentioned, repetitive movement and overload of the wrist can lead to CT syndrome
Treatment options
Along with different treatment options, massage is the first non-invasive approach someone can try for carpal tunnel.
As soon as the symptoms show up, it would be wise to go and see a massage therapist.
Techniques such as Remedial Massage, Myotherapy can easily address the problem and alleviate the pain.
Depending on the presentation and the cause of the carpal tunnel, even Applied MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) can be an ideal treatment option.
Along the physical therapy, rest is highly recommended, and exercises, as often happen, play the main role.
To prevent pain from wrist movement, a splint can help.
Other treatment options.
Surgery is a standard alternative option for Carpal Tunnel.
It is a common intervention and can be done on both hands simultaneously.
The patient can choose to go for local or general anaesthesia.
Surgery for Carpal Tunnel involves a cut along the palm and the wrist.
The surgeon then cuts the ligament to reduce pressure on the underlying median nerve.
Once the skin gets stitched back, the ligaments heal themselves, and the new scar would not put so much pressure on the median nerve.
Even though the surgery is easy, it can have some complications, like swelling and damage to the median or ulnar nerve.
Also, if the ligament was not cut completely, it would still apply pressure on the Median Nerve, and a second surgery would be needed.