Challenges and Complications of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The compression of the carpal tunnel passageway due to exertion of immense pressure on the hand’s palm side is called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery. The median nerve injury leads to pain, numbness and tingling sensation followed by weakness in the arm and hand.
The syndrome can worsen with repetitive movements and increasing health conditions, requiring advanced treatment to restore hand and wrist function.
Causes of Carpal tunnel syndrome
The thrust on the median nerve on the palm is the real cause of the health condition. This nerve elongates from the forearm to the hand that is responsible for the sensation in the palm, but not the little finger. The whole passageway is collectively called the carpal tunnel, and anything that puts pressure on the median nerve leads to the syndrome. Further, a wrist fracture can lead to increased intensity of the condition irritating the symptoms and leading to tremendous pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve.
Associated risk factors with Carpal tunnel syndrome
The discussed factors below might not cause carpal tunnel syndrome but steer the problem and increase the risk of damage and irritation up to the median nerve.
They include:
Anatomic factors
Risk factors such as dislocation or fracture of the wrist and deformed arthritis change the space inside the carpal tunnel results in tremendous pressure on the median nerve. A smaller carpal tunnel makes one prone to the problem most likely.
Nerve-affecting conditions
Certain health conditions like diabetes and chronic illnesses lead to weaker nerves that affect this nerve as well.
Obesity
Extra body weight can increase the risk of damaged nerve conditions.
Corporate life
Specific work requirements like managing vibrating tools are something that requires a lot of wrist movements, especially in a cold environment that worsens the existing condition.
Symptoms
Tingling
In the begining stage, the palms might experience tingling sensations in the affected area that feels like an electric shock.
Numbness
Later, when the condition becomes severe, your wists and hands will become numb.
Later, the numbness travels from the wrists to the arms. One might experience such symptoms while steering wheel, newspaper, or suddenly waking up from sleep.
Weakness
Due to numbness, your hands will gradually start feeling weaker. You might begin to drop objects and find it extremely difficult to hold them on for long.
Seeing a specialist at the right time will help prevent more significant nerve damage while requiring easy and minimal treatment procedures.
Dr Yugal Karkhur is an MBBS, MS, DNB, and MNAMS with a fellowship in Joint preservation & Adult Hip Reconstruction Surgery (Missouri Orthopaedic Institute, USA), fellowship in Joint replacement surgery (Man Superspeciality Hospital, Saket, Delhi), and a fellowship in Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopy ( Sports Injury Centre Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi).
