Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Worldwide

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Quite often we see  patients who have Carpal tunnel syndrome, apainful progressive condition  caused bycompression of a key  nerve in the wrist.It occurs when the median  nerve becomespressed or squeezedat the wrist. The  nerve runs across the front ofthe wrist joint into the palm of the hand supplying  the thumb, index and middle fingers. It runsbeneath a tough ligament, theflexor retinaculum, which forms the roof of thecarpal tunnel whose floor is  formed bythe front of the wrist joint. Next to the nerve runs the flexor tendons  which close the fingers. The space in thetunnel is limited,so if, for anyreason it becomes congested, pressure on thenerve interrupts transmission. TREATMENTANDMANAGEMENT  Treatment should begin as early as possible. Any underlying cause such asdiabetes or       arthritis should betreated first.The severe pain is often controlled by  wearing a resting splint at night which keepsthe wrist straight or slightly  cockedup. For about two weeks it is best to avoid activities that worsen the symptoms.A splint is often necessary to immobilise the wrist to prevent any furtherdamage from twisting or bending.Applying ice packs helps to reduce the swelling. Physiotherapy in theform of  ultrasound is also effective, asare the simple specific exercises that the Physiotherapist  can teach to keep the flexibility of thehand, and very importantly to stop themuscles wasting away. The theory behindthis treatment is that the cortisone  counteractsthe inflammation and swelling in the tunnel allowing more room for thenerve.Exercises, stretching and strengthening can be helpful in people  whose symptoms have abated.